AURICULARIS ANTERIOR Meaning and
Definition
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Auricularis anterior is a muscle that is located within the human head and neck region. It is part of a group of muscles known as the "auricular muscles" which are responsible for the movement and control of the external ear. Specifically, the auricularis anterior muscle is found in front of the outer ear, and it is one of the three muscles that make up the auricularis muscle group.
This muscle originates from the lateral edge of the galea aponeurotica, which is a tendon-like structure found on the top of the skull. Its fibers then extend forward and attach to the upper part of the external ear, known as the helix. The auricularis anterior muscle is responsible for the movement of the auricle, or outer ear, by pulling it forward and upward.
The function of the auricularis anterior muscle is to assist in the process of sound localization, which helps the individual determine the direction of sound sources. It also plays a role in the overall mobility and position control of the external ear, contributing to expressions such as raising the eyebrows or wrinkling the forehead.-
Etymology of AURICULARIS ANTERIOR
The word Auricularis anterior has Latin origins.
- Auricularis comes from the Latin word auricula which means ear.
- Anterior is also a Latin word that means before or in front of.
When combined, Auricularis anterior literally translates to anterior ear muscle.
