Landmarks of the Outer Ear

ear lobe

most inferior and flexible part of the pinna; lacks any cartilage

helix

superior and posterior outer ridge of pinna

antihelix

anterior to the helix of the pinna

concha

bowl-like center of the pinna; terminates at the opening of the ear canal

cymba concha

anterior extension of the helix, marking the anterior entrance to the concha

tragus

most anterior landmark of the pinna; small projection of cartilage in front of the external opening of the ear

antitragus

posterior and inferior to the tragus

scaphoid fossa

the depression between the helix and antihelix

crura of antihelix

the point where the antihelix bifurcates (splits in two)

triangular fossa

the depression between the crura of the antihelix

umbo

the point of maximal concavity of the the tympanic membrane

pars tensa

a portion of the tympanic membrane with three layers (skin, collagenous layer, and a mucous membrane)

pars flaccida

a portion of the tympanic membrane with two layers (skin, mucous membrane)

cone of light

an area of the tympanic membrane that reflects light when viewed with an otoscope

manubrium

translucent portion of the tympanic membrane, allowing for minimal observation of the middle ear