Auricular
Auricular refers to anything related to the ear, particularly the external portion. This term is derived from the Latin word auricula, meaning ear. In various medical, anatomical, and healthcare contexts, "auricular" is used to describe structures, points, or areas that pertain to the ear.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The human ear can be divided into three parts: the outer (external), middle, and inner ear. The auricular part of the ear generally refers to the outer structures, which include the pinna (or auricle) and the ear canal. The pinna is the visible part of the ear that is outside the head and is made up of cartilage and skin. It plays a crucial role in capturing sound vibrations and directing them into the ear canal.
Auricular Medicine[edit | edit source]
In the field of alternative medicine, auricular therapy, also known as auriculotherapy, is a technique which posits that the ear is a microsystem which reflects the entire body. This approach is used in various treatments including acupuncture, acupressure, and electro-stimulation, where specific points on the ear are treated to alleviate conditions elsewhere in the body.
Auricular Points in Acupuncture[edit | edit source]
In acupuncture, auricular points are specific points on the ear that are believed to correspond to different parts of the body. Stimulating these points can help in treating various health issues, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This practice is often used for pain relief, addiction therapy, and stress management.
Cultural and Aesthetic Aspects[edit | edit source]
The auricular region is also a popular site for body art and adornments, such as ear piercing and tattoos. The cultural significance of ear decorations varies worldwide and has been practiced for both aesthetic and ritualistic purposes throughout history.
Clinical Relevance[edit | edit source]
Clinically, the auricular region can be involved in various medical conditions, such as infections (otitis externa), deformities (like microtia), and injuries. Medical professionals specializing in ear conditions are known as otolaryngologists, who manage diseases and disorders affecting the ear, nose, and throat (ENT).
See Also[edit | edit source]
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
