Helicis Major
Ear · Head & Neck
The Helicis Major is a Head & Neck muscle within the Ear group. Originating at Spine of the helix (anteroinferior border), it inserts at Anterior border of the helix, where it becomes horizontal. It is responsible for several movements: Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial); tenses the anterior helix. It is innervated by the Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII).
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Spine of the helix (anteroinferior border)
Insertion
Anterior border of the helix, where it becomes horizontal
Action
Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial); tenses the anterior helix
Nerve
Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Attachments explained
The Helicis Major is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Spine of the helix (anteroinferior border)
Insertion
Anterior border of the helix, where it becomes horizontal
Action & function
When the Helicis Major contracts, it produces the following movements: Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial); tenses the anterior helix.
As part of the Ear group of the Head & Neck, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Helicis Major receives its nerve supply from the Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII).
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Temporal branch of facial nerve can weaken or paralyse the Helicis Major, impairing the movements it normally produces (modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial)). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Helicis Major (the OIANS method)
OIANS stands for Origin, Insertion, Action and Nerve, the four facts that uniquely define every skeletal muscle. To learn the Helicis Major, work through them in order: picture its origin, trace the muscle to its insertion, reason out the action that shortening between those two points must create, then add the nerve that drives it.
Most students remember the Helicis Major fastest by linking its action back to its attachments rather than memorising each fact in isolation. Once the origin and insertion make sense, the action usually follows logically.
Helicis Major quick facts
- Region
- Head & Neck
- Group
- Ear
- Origin
- Spine of the helix (anteroinferior border)
- Insertion
- Anterior border of the helix, where it becomes horizontal
- Action
- Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial); tenses the anterior helix
- Nerve
- Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
- Spinal roots
- —
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Helicis Major located?
The Helicis Major is a muscle of the Ear group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Helicis Major?
Spine of the helix (anteroinferior border)
What is the insertion of the Helicis Major?
Anterior border of the helix, where it becomes horizontal
What movements does the Helicis Major produce?
Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial); tenses the anterior helix
What nerve supplies the Helicis Major?
Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Is the Helicis Major free to study in OIANS?
The Helicis Major is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Head & Neck is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
Study the Helicis Major
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