Helicis major muscle

Last revised by Reabal Najjar on 27 Apr 2023

Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data

Citation:

Najjar R, Knipe H, Helicis major muscle. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 25 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-167189

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-167189

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/167189

rID:

167189

Article created:

23 Apr 2023, Reabal Najjar ◉

Disclosures:

At the time the article was created Reabal Najjar had no financial relationships to ineligible companies to disclose.

View Reabal Najjar's current disclosures

Last revised:

27 Apr 2023, Reabal Najjar ◉

Disclosures:

At the time the article was last revised Reabal Najjar had no financial relationships to ineligible companies to disclose.

View Reabal Najjar's current disclosures

Revisions:

3 times, by 2 contributors - see full revision history and disclosures

Systems:

Musculoskeletal

Sections:

Anatomy

The helicis major muscle is an intrinsic auricular muscle that plays a vestigial role in adjusting the shape of the ear.

origin: root of the helix of the ear
insertion: anterior border of the helix
blood supply: anterior auricular branches of the superficial temporal artery and others
innervation: temporal and posterior auricular branches of the facial nerve (CN VII)
action: vestigial function; possible role in adjusting the shape of the ear

Gross Anatomy

Origin

The helicis major muscle is an intrinsic muscle of the auricle that originates at the root of the helix of the external ear.

Insertion

The helicis major muscle inserts at the anterior border of the helix ².

Arterial supply

Blood supply to the intrinsic muscles of the ear, including the helicis major, is provided by the anterior auricular branches of the superficial temporal artery, the posterior auricular branch of the external carotid artery, the occipital artery, and the auricular branches of the maxillary arteries ³.

Venous drainage

Venous drainage is facilitated by the pterygoid plexus, external jugular, and maxillary veins. Lymphatic drainage occurs anteriorly into the parotid nodes and posteriorly into the mastoid nodes, as well as some deep cervical nodes ³.

Innervation

Innervation of the helicis major muscle is primarily provided by the temporal and posterior auricular branches of the facial nerve (CN VII) ².

Action

The helicis major muscle is considered a vestigial organ, a rudimentary structure that has lost its primary ancestral functions. However, it may still play a role in adjusting the shape of the ear by depressing the anterior aspect of the external ear ¹.

Development

This muscle develops from the second pharyngeal arch during embryogenesis ¹.

History and etymology

The term "helicis major" is derived from the Latin word "helix," referring to the curved cartilaginous structure in the ear, and "major," which means larger or greater.

Clinical importance

The helicis major muscle, although vestigial, may contribute to the auricular shape and movement. It could be of clinical importance in reconstructive surgery and prosthetic design for patients with congenital or acquired auricular deformities.