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 outer ear, external ear, or auris externa is the external part of the ear, which consists of the auricle (also pinna) and the ear canal. It gathers sound energy and focuses it on the eardrum (tympanic membrane).
Structure
Auricle
Th ...
. The muscle runs obliques and covers the
helical crus
Helical may refer to:
* Helix, the mathematical concept for the shape
* Helical engine, a proposed spacecraft propulsion drive
* Helical spring, a coilspring
* Helical plc, a British property company, once a maker of steel bar stock
* Helicoil
A t ...
, part of the
helix
A helix () is a shape like a corkscrew or spiral staircase. It is a type of smooth space curve with tangent lines at a constant angle to a fixed axis. Helices are important in biology, as the DNA molecule is formed as two intertwined helic ...
located just above the
tragus.
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.
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.
The helicis minor is developmentally derived from the
second pharyngeal arch
The pharyngeal arches, also known as visceral arches'','' are structures seen in the embryonic development of vertebrates that are recognisable precursors for many structures. In fish, the arches are known as the branchial arches, or gill arche ...
It seem that only in
primates is the
helicis major
The helicis major (or large muscle of helix) is an intrinsic muscle of the outer ear.
In human anatomy, it is the form of a narrow vertical band situated upon the anterior margin of the helix, at the point where the helix becomes transverse.
It ...
and minor two distinctive muscles.
Additional images
See also
*
Intrinsic muscles of external ear
The outer ear, external ear, or auris externa is the external part of the ear, which consists of the auricle (also pinna) and the ear canal. It gathers sound energy and focuses it on the eardrum (tympanic membrane).
Structure
Auricle
Th ...
*
Helicis major
The helicis major (or large muscle of helix) is an intrinsic muscle of the outer ear.
In human anatomy, it is the form of a narrow vertical band situated upon the anterior margin of the helix, at the point where the helix becomes transverse.
It ...
References
External links
AnatomyExpert.com
Ear
Muscles of the head and neck
{{muscle-stub