Which set lists the main structures of the outer ear?

Which set lists the main structures of the outer ear?

• A. Pinna, tympanic membrane, cerumen
• B. External auditory meatus, tympanic membrane
• C. Pinna, external auditory meatus, cerumen
• D. Pinna, external auditory meatus, tympanic membrane

Answer: (C)

The outer ear consists of the visible part (the pinna) and the external auditory canal (external auditory meatus), plus cerumen produced in the canal. The tympanic membrane sits at the boundary between the outer and middle ears, so it isn’t considered part of the outer ear. Therefore, the best set lists the pinna, the external auditory meatus, and cerumen. Options that include the tympanic membrane misplace it in the outer ear, and options that omit cerumen or the canal don’t capture all outer-ear components.

The outer ear consists of the visible part (the pinna) and the external auditory canal (external auditory meatus), plus cerumen produced in the canal. The tympanic membrane sits at the boundary between the outer and middle ears, so it isn’t considered part of the outer ear. Therefore, the best set lists the pinna, the external auditory meatus, and cerumen. Options that include the tympanic membrane misplace it in the outer ear, and options that omit cerumen or the canal don’t capture all outer-ear components.