helicis minor helicis minor the helicis minor (musculus helicis minor or smaller muscle of helix) is a small skeletal muscle. the helicis minor is an intrinsic muscle of the outer ear. the muscle runs obliques and covers the helical crus, part of the helix located just above the tragus. helicis minorthe muscles of the auricula (helicis minor visible at center)detailsoriginbase of the helical crusinsertionanterior aspect of the helical crusarteryauricular branches of posterior auricular and auricular branch of occipital arteriesnerveposterior auricular nerve a branch of the facial nerveactionsadjusting the shape of the anterior margin of the ear cartilageidentifierslatinmusculus helicis minorta98a15.3.01.038ta22094fma48971anatomical terms of muscle the helicis minor originates from the base of the helical crus, runs obliques and inserts at the anterior aspect of the helical crus where it curves upward above the tragus. the function of the muscle is to assist in adjusting the shape of the anterior margin of the ear cartilage. while this is a potential action in some individuals, in the majority of individuals the muscle modifies auricular shape to a minimal degree. the helicis minor is developmentally derived from the second pharyngeal arch it seem that only in primates is the helicis major and minor two distinctive muscles. additional images anatomy of human ear external ear. right auricle.lateral view. external ear. right auricle.lateral view. external ear. right auricle.lateral view.