What is another term for the external part of the ear, also known as the pinna?

The external part of the ear, commonly referred to as the pinna, is accurately described by the term "auricle." The auricle is the visible portion of the ear that protrudes from the head and is primarily responsible for collecting sound waves and directing them into the ear canal. This structure plays a key role in our ability to hear by helping to funnel sound toward the inner workings of the ear.

The other terms listed pertain to different components of the ear. The eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane, is located deeper in the ear and plays a crucial role in sound transmission by vibrating in response to sound waves. The auditory canal is the passage that leads from the outer ear to the eardrum, serving as a conduit for sound. Ossicles are a group of three tiny bones in the middle ear that transmit vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. Each of these terms refers to different parts of the ear anatomy and does not relate to the external or visible section, which is why "auricle" is the correct answer.