Antitragicus

Antitragicus is a small muscle in the human ear, specifically located in the outer part of the ear known as the auricle or pinna. It is one of the six auricular muscles that control the movements of the auricle. The antitragicus muscle is named for its location near the antitragus, a small prominence of cartilage opposite the tragus.

Etymology

The term "antitragicus" is derived from the Greek words "anti-", meaning "against", and "tragos", meaning "goat". This is likely due to the antitragus's resemblance to a goat's beard.

Anatomy

The antitragicus muscle originates from the outer part of the antitragus and inserts into the tail of the helix and the cauda helicis. It is innervated by the facial nerve, specifically the posterior auricular branch. The muscle's primary function is to assist in moving the auricle in various directions.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities or damage to the antitragicus muscle can result in limited movement of the auricle, which may affect the ability to localize sound. However, because humans primarily rely on other cues for sound localization, such impairments are typically not debilitating.

Related terms

• Auricular muscles
• Antitragus
• Facial nerve
• Helix (ear)
• Cauda helicis

See also

• List of muscles of the human body

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