Q17: Other congenital malformations of ear

Q17.2: Microtia

The auricle is a part of the ear that is externally visible. The ear is a sensory organ that is used to hear and to maintain one's balance. There are 3 different areas in the ear: the outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. The outer ear begins at the auricle and then becomes the external auricular canal. The end of the external auricular canal is sealed by a thin membrane. This membrane is known as the eardrum.