External ear: auricle & auricular haematoma

Question 1

how can the ear be split?

Answer 1

into 3 parts:

external, middle and inner

Question 2

how can the external ear be split?

Answer 2

functionally and structurally split into two sections: 
the auricle (or pinna),  
the external acoustic meatus

Question 3

what is the auricle?

Answer 3

an external, lateral paired structure

Question 4

what is the function of the auricle?

Answer 4

capture and transmit sound to the external acoustic meatus

Question 5

what does most of the auricle contain?

Answer 5

a cartilaganious framework

Question 6

which is the only part of the external ear not supported by cartilage?

Answer 6

the lobule

Question 7

what is the helix?

Answer 7

outer curvature of the ear

Question 8

what is the antihelix?

Answer 8

Moving inwards from the helix, there is another curved elevation, which is parallel to the helix

Question 9

what does the antihelix divide into?

Answer 9

two cura:
the inferoanterior crus
the superoposterior crus

Question 10

what is the concha of auricle?

Answer 10

In the middle of the auricle is a hollow depression

Question 11

what does the concha of auricle continue to? as?

Answer 11

It continues into the skull as the external acoustic meatus

Question 12

what is the function of the concha?

Answer 12

acts to direct sound into the external acoustic meatus

Question 13

what is the tragus?

Answer 13

Immediately anterior to the start of the external acoustic meatus is an elevation of tissue

Question 14

what opposite the tragus?

Answer 14

antitragus

Question 15

where does Cutaneous innervation to the skin of the auricle (cartilage external ear) come from?

Answer 15

the greater auricular, lesser occipital and branches of the facial and vagus nerves

Question 16

why do patients complain of an involuntary cough when cleaning their ears?

Answer 16

this is due to stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, the nerve responsible for the cough reflex

Question 17

With respect to the vasculature, what are the main vessels involved in supplying the auricle?

Answer 17

the posterior auricular, superficial temporal and occipital arteries and veins

Question 18

what is an auricular haematoma?

Answer 18

when blood collects between the cartilage and the overlying pericondrium

Question 19

how is an auricular haematoma normally caused?

Answer 19

trauma, contact sports

Question 20

what can auricular haematoma lead to?

Answer 20

the accumulation of blood in auricular haematoma can disrupt the blood supply to the cartilage of the auricle (diffusion, avascular tissue)

Question 21

what is ‘cauliflower ear’?

Answer 21

the gross deformity that occurs if the accumulation of blood within auricular haematoma is not drained quickly