Outer
Outer Ear
The Outer Ear (pronounced: /ˈaʊtər ɪər/) is the external part of the human auditory system. It is primarily responsible for collecting sound and directing it into the ear canal.
Etymology
The term "Outer Ear" is derived from the Old English words "ūt" meaning "out" and "ēare" meaning "ear".
Anatomy
The Outer Ear consists of two main parts: the pinna (or auricle) and the ear canal (or external auditory meatus). The pinna is the visible part of the ear that resides outside of the head while the ear canal is the tube running from the outer ear to the middle ear.
Pinna
The pinna (pronounced: /ˈpɪnə/) is the visible part of the ear that resides outside of the head. It is composed of a thin plate of yellow elastic cartilage covered with integument, and is shaped to capture sound waves and funnel them into the ear canal.
Ear Canal
The ear canal (pronounced: /ɪər kəˈnæl/) is a tube running from the outer ear to the middle ear. The human ear canal extends from the pinna to the eardrum and is about 2.5 centimeters in length and 0.7 centimeters in diameter.
Function
The primary function of the Outer Ear is to collect sound, amplify it and direct it to the ear canal. The shape of the pinna helps to enhance sound and determine the direction from which it comes.
Related Terms
- Middle Ear: The part of the ear that connects the outer ear to the inner ear.
- Inner Ear: The innermost part of the ear, responsible for sound detection and balance.
- Eardrum: A thin membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear and vibrates in response to sound waves.
- Audiology: The branch of science that studies hearing, balance, and related disorders.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Outer
- Wikipedia's article - Outer
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