EXTERNAL EAR Meaning and
Definition
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The external ear, also referred to as the outer ear, is a part of the ear that is visible on the outside of the head. It comprises the pinna, the external auditory canal, and the tympanic membrane (also known as the eardrum). These components work together to collect and transmit sound waves from the environment to the middle and inner ear.
The pinna, commonly known as the earlobe, is the external part of the ear that is typically composed of cartilage and covered by skin. Its unique shape and structure help to capture sound waves and direct them into the ear canal. The ear canal, often called the auditory meatus, is a tubular passageway that extends from the pinna to the tympanic membrane. It is lined with hair follicles and glands that secrete cerumen, commonly known as earwax. The earwax acts as a protective barrier, trapping dust and preventing harmful substances from reaching the delicate structures of the middle and inner ear.
The external ear ends at the tympanic membrane, a thin, translucent layer that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. This membrane vibrates when it comes into contact with sound waves, facilitating the transmission of sound energy to the middle ear. Through its shape and location, the external ear aids in sound localization, amplification, and protection of the delicate structures of the middle and inner ear.
Common Misspellings for EXTERNAL EAR
- wxternal ear
- sxternal ear
- dxternal ear
- rxternal ear
- 4xternal ear
- 3xternal ear
- ezternal ear
- ecternal ear
- edternal ear
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- exrernal ear
- exfernal ear
- exgernal ear
- exyernal ear
- ex6ernal ear
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- extsrnal ear
- extdrnal ear
Etymology of EXTERNAL EAR
The word "external" derives from the Latin word "externus", which means "outside" or "beyond". The word "ear" in Old English can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "auran", which relates to the notion of "earing" or "perceiving". Therefore, the term "external ear" refers to the outer part of the ear that is visible and serves the function of perceiving sound waves from the environment.
Similar spelling words for EXTERNAL EAR
- external drive,
- externalise,
- external organ,
- exterior angle,
- external gill,
- externally,
- exterminate,
- external angle,
- exothermal,
- externality,
- externalize,
- externalisation,
- externalization.
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