External Ear (Auricle) (Auris externa)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The external ear (auricle / pinna) is an elastic cartilaginous structure covered by thin skin on the lateral head, comprising the helix, antihelix, tragus, concha, and fibrofatty lobule. It functions as an acoustic antenna, collecting and funneling sound waves into the external acoustic meatus and aiding in sound localization.
Clinical notes
Auricular hematoma (cauliflower ear) arises from subperichondrial blood accumulation following blunt trauma in wrestlers; immediate drainage is mandatory to prevent avascular necrosis and fibrocartilaginous deformity of the auricle.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the External Ear (Auricle)?
The external ear (auricle / pinna) is an elastic cartilaginous structure covered by thin skin on the lateral head, comprising the helix, antihelix, tragus, concha, and fibrofatty lobule. It functions as an acoustic antenna, collecting and funneling sound waves into the external acoustic meatus and aiding in sound localization.
Why is the External Ear (Auricle) clinically important?
Auricular hematoma (cauliflower ear) arises from subperichondrial blood accumulation following blunt trauma in wrestlers; immediate drainage is mandatory to prevent avascular necrosis and fibrocartilaginous deformity of the auricle.
Source & license
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