Helicis Minor
Ear · Head & Neck
The Helicis Minor is a Head & Neck muscle within the Ear group. Its origin is Anterior rim of the helix (over the crus of the helix), and it inserts onto Crus of the helix. Its chief action is that it modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial). Its nerve supply is the Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII).
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Anterior rim of the helix (over the crus of the helix)
Insertion
Crus of the helix
Action
Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial)
Nerve
Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Attachments explained
The Helicis Minor 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
Anterior rim of the helix (over the crus of the helix)
Insertion
Crus of the helix
Action & function
When the Helicis Minor contracts, it produces the following movement: Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial).
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 Minor 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 Minor, 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 Minor (the OIANS method)
OIANS stands for Origin, Insertion, Action and Nerve, the four facts that uniquely define every skeletal muscle. To learn the Helicis Minor, 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 Minor 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 Minor quick facts
- Region
- Head & Neck
- Group
- Ear
- Origin
- Anterior rim of the helix (over the crus of the helix)
- Insertion
- Crus of the helix
- Action
- Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial)
- Nerve
- Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
- Spinal roots
- —
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Helicis Minor located?
The Helicis Minor is a muscle of the Ear group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Helicis Minor?
Anterior rim of the helix (over the crus of the helix)
What is the insertion of the Helicis Minor?
Crus of the helix
What movements does the Helicis Minor produce?
Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial)
What nerve supplies the Helicis Minor?
Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Is the Helicis Minor free to study in OIANS?
The Helicis Minor 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 Minor
Test yourself on Head & Neck muscles with interactive quizzes and flashcards in the free OIANS app.
Quiz yourself → Flashcards Open the OIANS app
Browsing is always free. A one-time Lifetime unlock adds every region's quizzes, flashcards, progress tracking and explore tools.