The auricle is the fleshy portion of the external ear that projects from the lateral surfaces of the head. The auricle’s lateral surface is irregularly concave, directed slightly forward, and presents numerous eminences and depressions to which names have been assigned. The prominent rim of the auricle is called the helix. Another curved prominence, parallel with and in front of the helix, is called the antihelix. The antihelix divides above into two crura, between which is a triangular depression, the fossa triangularis. The narrow, curved depression between the helix and the antihelix is called the scapha. The antihelix curves around a deep cavity called the concha. In front of the concha and projecting backward over the meatus is a small pointed eminence, the tragus. Opposite the tragus, and separated from it by, the intertragic notch, is a small tubercle, the antitragus. Below this is the lobule, composed of tough areolar and adipose tissues. The cranial surface of the auricula presents elevations which correspond to the depressions on its lateral surface and after which they are named. The auricula is composed of a thin plate of elastic cartilage covered with integument, and connected to the surrounding parts by ligaments and muscles. The skin is thin, closely adherent to the cartilage, and covered with fine hairs furnished with sebaceous glands, which are most numerous in the concha and scaphoid fossa. On the tragus and antitragus the hairs are strong and numerous. The skin of the auricula is continuous with that lining the external acoustic meatus.

Auricula

Auricule de l'atrium

Auricule (pavillon