The external ear consists of the outer portion of the ear that is visible on the side of the head, called the pinna, and the ear canal that leads to the tympanic membrane, also known as the ear drum. The pinna is made up of skin and cartilage, with muscular attachments in the back. Its shape helps us localize where sounds in the environment are coming from. Sounds coming from the front are more easily directed into the ear canal. The pinna can be injured in trauma, which if untreated can lead to permanent deformity.
Various infections can also involve the pinna.
Individuals who wear pierced earrings may develop tears in the lower portion of the pinna, the ear lobe, which can be corrected in a minor operation. The outer portion of the tube is made of cartilage, and the inner portion is bone. A thin layer of skin forms the wall of the cartilage. This region can become infected, causing external otitis, also called swimmer's ear. Wax is produced by small glands in the ear canal.