View source for Auricula

== Auricula ==

'''Auricula''' (/ɔːˈrɪkjʊlə/), also known as the '''ear''' or '''pinna''', is a prominent part of the [[anatomy]] of the [[human body]]. It is the visible part of the [[ear]] that resides outside the head.

=== Etymology ===

The term "Auricula" is derived from the Latin word "auris", meaning "ear", and the diminutive suffix "-cula". 

=== Anatomy ===

The auricula is composed of a thin plate of yellow elastic [[cartilage]], covered with [[integument]], and furnished with numerous [[blood vessels]], [[nerves]], and [[glands]]. The auricula has several important features, including the helix, antihelix, concha, tragus, and lobule. 

* '''Helix''': The helix is the prominent rim of the auricle. 
* '''Antihelix''': The antihelix is a curved prominence of cartilage parallel with and in front of the helix. 
* '''Concha''': The concha is the hollow next the auditory canal. 
* '''Tragus''': The tragus is a small pointed eminence of the external ear, in front of the concha, and projecting backward over the meatus. 
* '''Lobule''': The lobule is the soft pliable part at its lower end, composed of fibrous and adipose tissue, not containing any cartilage.

=== Function ===

The auricula serves to collect and guide sound waves from the environment into the [[auditory canal]]. From there, the sound waves are transmitted to the [[middle ear]], where they are converted into neural signals that can be interpreted by the [[brain]].

=== Related Terms ===

* [[Otorhinolaryngology]]: The branch of medicine that deals with conditions of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) and related structures of the head and neck.
* [[Audiology]]: The branch of science and medicine concerned with the sense of hearing.
* [[Otology]]: The branch of medicine that deals specifically with the ear and its diseases.

[[Category:Anatomy]]
[[Category:Ear]]
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