The auricle (or pinna) is the most outer and visible part of the ear attached to the skull and located around the external opening of the ear canal. 

The main function of the auricle is to detect, collect, amplify, concentrate and direct sound waves into the external auditory canal.

The structural framework of the auricle is mostly formed by elastic cartilage (approximately superior two-thirds) covered by the skin. The cartilage determines its characteristic shape. 

The inferior part is known as the lobule of the ear - skin duplicate containing adipose tissue and loose connective tissue.

The auricle is comprised of the following anatomical features:

• Helix - posterosuperior (outer) curvature or margin extending from the superior insertion of the ear on the scalp to the earlobe; it curves inwards toward the external acoustic meatus; it has three parts:

• Crus of helix - a part that ascends from the insertion site or root of the helix; the convex arch;

• Spine of helix - a small but thick projection of the cartilage at the crus part;

• Tail of helix - the final part going downward; continues with the lobule; on the upper aspect of this part can be present a small prominence or projection called Darwin's tubercle;

• Antihelix - anterior or innermost curvature; goes parallel to the helix and curves outward from the concha located anterior to it; it contains:

• Superior and inferior crura of antihelix - inferoanterior and superoposterior widenings of the antihelix;

• Triangular fossa - between both crura;

• Scapha or scaphoid fossa - a concavity or depression located between helix and antihelix;

• Concha of auricle - a hollow depression in front of the antihelix and in the middle of the auricle with external acoustic pore; it directs sound into the external acoustic meatus; it has two parts:

• Cymba conchae - superior part;

• Cavity of concha (cavum conchae) - inferior part;

• Tragus - elevation or prominence of the cartilaginous tissue anteriorly to the concha and next to the entrance of the external acoustic meatus; 

• Antitragus - opposite to the tragus; located in the lower aspect of the antihelix;

• Intertragic notch or incisure - separates tragus from the antitragus;

• Lobule of auricle or ear lobe - the lowest part of the auricle hanging down from the tragus.