How to Pronounce Auricularis Anterior

Say it like this: aw-rik-yoo-LAIR-is an-TEER-ee-or. The stress falls on the third syllable of the first word (LAIR) and the second syllable of the second word (TEER). Think of "Rick" in the middle of the first word to help you remember the rik-yoo part.

The term has two parts: auricularis (aw-rik-yoo-LAIR-is) and anterior (an-TEER-ee-or). Auricularis comes from the Latin word for ear, and anterior means toward the front. Together, they describe something related to the front part of the ear.

In auricularis, stress the third syllable: aw-rik-yoo-LAIR-is. In anterior, stress the second syllable: an-TEER-ee-or. A common mistake is stressing the wrong part—don't say aw-rik-yoo-lair-IS or an-teer-ee-OR.

Auricularis comes from the Latin word 'auricula,' which means ear or external ear. Medical words starting with 'auricularis' or 'auricul-' almost always relate to the ear in some way.

Anterior is a directional word meaning toward the front. In anatomy, anterior always indicates a position that is more forward or toward the face compared to other parts.

This is a small muscle on the outer ear that can move the ear forward. Most people cannot control this muscle much on purpose, but it's one of several ear muscles that show up in anatomy.

You might see auricularis posterior (toward the back of the ear) or auricularis superior (toward the top of the ear). There's also auricular, which is an adjective meaning 'relating to the ear.'

You could say: 'The auricularis anterior is one of the small muscles attached to the external ear.' Or: 'Unlike some animals, humans have limited control over the auricularis anterior muscle.'