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- A description of the human ear:
- The external ear consists of an expanded portion named pinna or auricle, and
- the auditory canal or meatus. The former serves to collect the vibrations
- of the air by which sound is produced; the latter conducts those vibrations
- to the tympanum. The pinna, or auricle, is of an ovoid form, with its larger
- end directed upward. Its outer surface is irregularly concave, directed
- slightly forward, and presents numerous eminences and depressions which
- result from the foldings of its fibro-cartilaginous element. To each of
- these, names have been assigned. Thus the external prominent rim of the
- auricle is called the helix. Another curved prominence, parallel with and
- in front of the helix, is called the antihelix.