The antitragicus muscle is an intrinsic muscle of the outer ear that is part of the broader auricular muscle group.
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Summary
origin: posterior surface of the antitragus
insertion: tail of the helix
innervation: posterior auricular branch of the facial nerve
action: assists in ear movements
Gross anatomy
Origin
The antitragicus muscle originates from the antitragus, an eminence opposite the tragus located on the inferior part of the pinna.
Insertion
This muscle inserts into the tail of the helix, the upper and back part of the pinna.
Relations
The antitragicus muscle is situated adjacent to other muscles of the auricular group, including the helicis major, helicis minor, and tragus muscles.
Arterial supply
The posterior auricular artery, a branch of the external carotid artery, is responsible for supplying the antitragicus muscle.
Venous drainage
The posterior auricular vein, which generally parallels the artery, takes care of the venous drainage for the antitragicus muscle.
Innervation
Innervation for the antitragicus muscle is provided by the posterior auricular branch of the facial nerve 2.
Action
The antitragicus muscle aids in making minor movements of the ear. However, the extent of its functionality varies among individuals, with some demonstrating more precise control over these muscles than others 1.
Variant anatomy
The antitragicus muscle, like other auricular muscles, exhibits a high degree of variation. Some individuals may have a hypertrophic, or enlarged, muscle, while others may possess a rudimentary or even absent muscle 2.
Development
The antitragicus muscle, along with other auricular muscles, develops from the second pharyngeal arch during embryonic development 1,2.