(anatomy) Any of three muscles attaching the cartilage of the external ear to the skull.

(anatomy) A muscle that arises from the galea aponeurotica, inserts into the helix, and acts to protract the external ear.

(anatomy) A muscle that arises from the galea aponeurotica, inserts into the cranial surface of the pinna, and acts to elevate the external ear.

(anatomy) A muscle that arises from the mastoid process of the temporal bone, inserts into the cranial surface of the concha of the external ear, and acts to retract the external ear.