What is another name for the auricle?

The auricle, also known as the pinna, is the external part of the ear that is visible and helps capture sound waves, directing them into the ear canal. The structure is made of cartilage covered with skin and serves as a funnel to enhance hearing by collecting sound from the environment.

Understanding the auricle's role is key for speech therapists, particularly in the context of how sound travels and the importance of auditory processing in speech and language development. The auricle's shape and positioning also assist in locating the direction of sounds, which is vital for effective communication.

The other terms mentioned, such as ear canal, tympanic membrane, and ossicle, refer to different parts of the ear with distinct functions. The ear canal channels sound waves to the tympanic membrane (eardrum), which vibrates in response to sound. The ossicles are small bones in the middle ear that transmit these vibrations to the inner ear. Each component plays an important role in hearing, but "pinna" is the specific term used for the auricle itself.