Anatomy of the ear | The function and piercing of the ear cartilage

Anatomy of the ear

The anatomy of the ear is divided into a microscopic part and a part visible to the eye (macroscopic part). The microscopic part shows that the ear cartilage belongs to the elastic cartilage tissue. The elastic cartilage is a very cell-rich cartilage consisting of only one cartilage cell, in which hardly any groupings are recognizable.

It also contains many elastic fibers that radiate into the cartilage skin. These elastic properties ensure great stability and hardly any vulnerability when bending (bendable) or pressing the ear. Otherwise, our ear would already be damaged when sleeping on one side, since the weight of the whole head presses on a small amount of tissue.

The macroscopic structure, i.e. the part visible to the eye, consists of the outer ear and the external ear canal (Meatus acusticus externus). On the very outside, directed towards the back of the head, the helix lies in a large arc. Towards the face, the ear is bounded by the tragus.

The second protruding arc, which is almost parallel to the helix, is called the anthelix and the lower end of this arc is called the antitragus. Other components are called Cavum Conchae, Crus helicis, Scapha and there are many more. The exact structure and shape of the individual parts is very different from one person to another and also changes in the course of life.

The ear is not only composed of the outer ear visible to us, but also of the middle ear. The ear is not only composed of the outer ear visible to us, but also of the middle ear.