What is the external structure of the ear known as?

The external structure of the ear is referred to as the pinna. The pinna is the visible part of the ear that is located outside the head, and it plays a crucial role in collecting sound waves and directing them into the ear canal. Its unique shape helps to enhance our ability to hear by funneling sound vibrations toward the inner structures of the ear.

Understanding the function of the pinna is important because it aids in sound localization, allowing us to determine the direction from which sounds are coming. Other components of the ear, such as the tympanic membrane (the eardrum), auditory canal, and ossicles (small bones in the middle ear), have different roles primarily focused on sound transmission and amplification rather than the collection of sound, which is specifically the function of the pinna.