key term - External ear

Definition

The external ear consists of the auricle (pinna) and the ear canal, which are the visible parts of the ear that collect sound waves and direct them into the inner parts of the ear. It plays a crucial role in hearing by acting as a funnel to gather sound vibrations and channel them to the eardrum.

Related terms

Auricle (Pinna): The outer part of the external ear, which is visible on the side of the head and helps in capturing sound waves.

Ear Canal: A tube-like structure that leads from the outer ear to the eardrum, transmitting sound waves collected by the pinna to the eardrum.

Eardrum (Tympanic Membrane): A thin membrane that vibrates when sound waves hit it, initiating the process of hearing by transmitting these vibrations to the bones in the middle ear