Anatomy of the external ear

Abstract

The external ear consists of the auricle which collects sound, the external acoustic meatus, and the tympanic membrane. Elastic cartilage provides the framework for the auricle and is difficult to repair because of the lack of a direct blood supply to the chondrocytes. The extensive sensory nerve supply to the ear is described. The arterial supply from branches of the external carotid artery is also outlined. The external auditory canal transmits sound to the tympanic membrane. The external third of the tube has a cartilaginous framework and the internal two thirds are within the temporal bone. The tympanic membrane separates the external acoustic meatus from the middle ear.