Anatomical
Topography of the Ear
Listing of anatomical descriptions of the auricle, with numerical reference
and additional details for locating areas (1-17 above)
1. Root of Helix
The root of the helix lies anteriorly from the cartilaginous ridge that separates the superior and inferior floor of the outer ear, in the area superior to the tragus, where the helix arises from the concha (more specifically, where the helix arises from the crus of the helix). The reflex zone known as “Point Zero” sits in the notch of the cartilage at helical root.
2. Ascending Helix
The portion of the helix ascending from the helical root to the superior apex of the helix.
3. Helical Apex
The superior aspect of the helix (e.g. the highest/uppermost point of the helical rim).
4. Darwin’s Tubercle
The cartilaginous protuberance (small and painless) located on the posterior-superior helix, near the helical apex. In terms of reflex zones, Darwin’s Tubercle represents the reflex zone of the caudal end of the spinal cord.
5. Descending Helix
The portion of the helix that extends inferiorly from the helical apex (or Darwin’s tubercle) toward the lobule (ear lobe).
6. Tail of Helix
The termination of the helical rim and its walls (at the end of the descending helix), where the helix meets the posterior-superior border of the lobule (ear lobe).
7. Helical Wall
The inner aspect of the helix, forming the lateral boundary of the scapha, arising from its floor.
Helix (areas 1-7)
The cartilaginous rim forming the outer boundary of the auricle, extending from the root anteriorly to the tail above the lobule.
8. Scapha
The scapha is the portion between the antihelix (including the area superior to the antihelical crura) and the helical wall.
9. Triangular Fossa
The triangular depression (fossa) between the inferior and superior antihelical crura — with the raised tip of the triangle within the bifurcation (fork) of the antihelical crura, and the depressed base of the triangle along the helical wall.
10. Inferior Antihelical Crus
Ridge along the inferior side of the triangular fossa. In terms of reflex zones, this is ridge along which points for the lower thoracic spine, lumbar spine, and sacral spine, and cocyxx (tailbone) sit.
11. Superior Antihelical Crus
The ridge of the antihelix that extends superiorly from the antihelical bifurcation (fork), lying above the triangular fossa.
12. ANTIHELIX (areas 10-12)
The prominent Y-shaped ridge of the auricle that lies medial to the scapha and lateral to the concha, bifurcating superiorly into the superior and inferior antihelical crura. The reflex zone of the vertebral column projects upside down along the entire ridge edge that faces the concha.
13. Antitragus
The small cartilaginous projection opposite the tragus (and similar in size and shape to the tragus), superior to the lobule, forming the posterior boundary of the intertragic notch.
14. Lobule
The ear lobe is the inferior, non-cartilaginous portion of the auricle, composed mainly of fatty tissue and skin.
15. Intertragic Notch
The notch located between the tragus and antitragus. The reflex zones of several important hormone points projected along the ridge of the notch.
16. Tragus
Accordion Description
Ear Canal (area)
Accordion Description
Inferior Concha (area)
Accordion Description
Antihelical Wall (area)
Accordion Description
Superior Concha (area)
Accordion Description
Crus of the Helix (area)
Accordion Description
Supratragic Notch (area)
Accordion Description
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