AURICULARIS SUPERIOR Meaning and
Definition
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The "auricularis superior" is a small muscle located in the human head and neck region. It is part of a group of muscles known as the auricular muscles, which are responsible for movements and adjustments of the external ear.
The term "auricularis" refers to its location and function, as it is found near the auricle, which is the visible part of the outer ear. "Superior" indicates its position in relation to other auricular muscles, specifically its position above or superior to the other muscles in the group.
The auricularis superior originates from the temporal bone, which is a bone situated on the side of the head, just above the ear. Its fibers travel downward and backward to insert into the upper part of the auricle. When contracted, the auricularis superior pulls the auricle upwards and slightly forward, contributing to the task of positioning the ear in different directions, improving the ability to capture and localize sounds.
The auricularis superior is innervated by the temporal branch of the facial nerve, which is the seventh cranial nerve responsible for the control of facial muscles. This innervation enables voluntary control over the movement of the auricularis superior and hence fine-tuning of the external ear orientation.
Overall, the auricularis superior plays a vital role in the intricate system of external ear movement, aiding in sound localization and enhancing auditory perception.
Etymology of AURICULARIS SUPERIOR
The word "auricularis" is derived from the Latin word "auricula", which means "ear". It is combined with the suffix "-aris", which forms an adjective meaning "pertaining to".
The word "superior" is also Latin, coming from the Latin word "super", meaning "above" or "higher".
Therefore, "auricularis superior" can be translated as "the superior muscle of the ear" or "the muscle above the ear". This term refers to a specific muscle located in the ear region.
