outer ear

views updated May 23 2018

outer ear (external ear) The part of the ear external to the tympanum (eardrum). It is present in mammals, birds, and some reptiles and consists of a tube (the external auditory meatus) that directs sound waves onto the tympanum. In mammals it may include an external pinna, which extends beyond the skull.

outer ear

views updated May 18 2018

outer ear (owt-er) n. the pinna and the external auditory meatus of the ear.