The outer ear consists of the external part of the ear (pinna or auricle) and the ear canal (external auditory meatus—see Biology of the Ears, Nose, and Throat: A Look Inside the Ear). Disorders of the outer ear include blockages, infections (external otitis and perichondritis), eczema, and tumors. The outer ear is also prone to certain types of injury.

Last full review/revision July 2008 by Eiji Yanagisawa, MD