Auditory canal

Auditory Canal

The auditory canal, also known as the external auditory meatus or external ear canal, is a tube running from the outer ear to the middle ear. The human auditory canal extends from the pinna to the eardrum and is approximately 2.5 centimeters in length and 0.7 centimeters in diameter.

Anatomy

The auditory canal is divided into two parts. The outer third, known as the cartilaginous portion, is surrounded by cartilage. The inner two-thirds, the osseous portion, is surrounded by bone. The canal is lined with skin, and has hairs and sweat glands.

Function

The primary function of the auditory canal is to transmit sound from the pinna to the eardrum. The canal amplifies sounds between 2 and 5 kHz which encompasses most of the human speech frequency range. It also protects the eardrum from physical damage and helps to clean and lubricate the eardrum.

Health and Disease

The auditory canal can be affected by various diseases and conditions. Otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, is an inflammation of the external auditory canal. Cerumen impaction, or earwax blockage, can also occur in the auditory canal and can cause hearing loss or pain.

See Also

• Ear
• Eardrum
• Otitis externa
• Cerumen impaction