Which term describes the external portion of the ear?

• A. Auricle
• B. Canal
• C. Tympanic membrane
• D. Labyrinth

Answer: (A)

The term that describes the external portion of the ear is "auricle." The auricle, also known as the pinna, is the visible part of the ear that protrudes from the side of the head. It serves several functions, including capturing sound waves and directing them into the ear canal. The structure is made up primarily of cartilage and covered with skin, which helps to give it its distinctive shape.

In contrast, the canal refers to the ear canal, which is a tubular structure that leads from the outer ear to the tympanic membrane (eardrum) but does not constitute the external ear itself. The tympanic membrane is an important part of the middle ear that vibrates in response to sound waves but is not visible externally. The labyrinth refers to the complex structure of the inner ear involved in balance and hearing, which is entirely internal and not part of the external portion. Thus, the auricle is the correct term for the external part of the ear.