Action.—Rotates the external ear mediad and caudad.

[Fig. 169].—Cartilage of the External Ear, with Muscles.

a-i, as in [Fig. 168]. 1, M. adductor auris superior (cut); 2, M. adductor auris medius (cut); 3, M. helicis; 4, M. tragicus lateralis (cut); 5, 5′, M. tragicus medialis; 6, M. antitragicus; 7, M. adductor auris inferior (cut); 8, M. depressor conchæ (cut); 9, M. conchæus externus; 10, part of M. auricularis externus; 11, M. abductor auris longus (cut).

M. adductor auris superior ([Fig. 169], 1; [Fig. 63], f). (Part of the auricularis anterior of man.)

Origin on the dorsal surface of the scutiform cartilage for its entire length. The fibres form a continuation of those of the frontoscutularis; they pass dorsocaudad and are inserted into the spina helicis or craniomedial margin of the auricular cartilage. This muscle lies in the fold of skin that connects the craniomedial angle of the auricular cartilage with the head, so that it is covered on both sides by integument.

Action.—Draws the auricle craniad.

M. adductor auris medius ([Fig. 169], 2). (Part of the auricularis anterior of man.)—A very thin band of fibres eight to ten millimeters broad.

Origin on the middle two-thirds of the caudoventral edge of the scutiform cartilage. The fibres pass nearly ventrad and are inserted along the medial or caudal surface of the tragus.

Relations.—Outer surface with the auricular cartilage. Inner surface with the temporal muscle or with the pad of fat separating this from the auricle.