Helicis minor

The Helicis minor (musculus helicis minor or smaller muscle of helix) is a small skeletal muscle. The helicis minor is an intrinsic muscle of the outer ear. The muscle runs obliques and covers the helical crus, part of the helix located just above the tragus.

Helicis minor
The muscles of the auricula (Helicis minor visible at center)
Details
Origin	Base of the helical crus
Insertion	Anterior aspect of the helical crus
Artery	Auricular branches of posterior auricular and auricular branch of occipital arteries
Nerve	Posterior auricular nerve a branch of the facial nerve
Actions	Adjusting the shape of the anterior margin of the ear cartilage
Identifiers
Latin	musculus helicis minor
TA98	A15.3.01.038
TA2	2094
FMA	48971
Anatomical terms of muscle [edit on Wikidata]

The helicis minor originates from the base of the helical crus, runs obliques and inserts at the anterior aspect of the helical crus where it curves upward above the tragus.^[1]

The function of the muscle is to assist in adjusting the shape of the anterior margin of the ear cartilage. While this is a potential action in some individuals, in the majority of individuals the muscle modifies auricular shape to a minimal degree.^[1]

The helicis minor is developmentally derived from the second pharyngeal arch^[1] It seem that only in primates is the helicis major and minor two distinctive muscles.^[2]

Additional images

• 
  Anatomy of human ear
• 
  External ear. Right auricle.Lateral view.
• 
  External ear. Right auricle.Lateral view.
• 
  External ear. Right auricle.Lateral view.

See also

• Intrinsic muscles of external ear
• Helicis major