Outer Parts of the Ear

The outer ears of a human being are designed to collect and funnel sound waves to our eardrum, which transmits sound to the three bones that makes hearing possible for humans: the hammer, anvil and cochlea. The vibrations are then transmitted to the auditory nerve and into our brain.

• Human Ears

Helix

• The helix is the top fold of the outer ear, beginning at the edge of the face connecting to the earlobe. The root of the helix is the innermost curve of the top of the ear that is attached to the side of the face.

Anthelix

• The anthelix is the curved ridge of the outer ear below the helix that forms a "C" shape around the opening to the inner ear.

Antitragus

• The antitragus is the cartilaginous structure on the outer ear just above the earlobe at the base of the anthelix.

Tragus

• The tragus is the cartilaginous projection of the outer ear that attaches to the side of the face and is over the opening to the inner ear.

Concha

• The concha is the curved cavity that sits lower than the anthelix, just outside the opening to the inner ear.

External Auditory Meatus

• The external auditory meatus is the opening to the inner ear, also called the ear canal.