The Pinna
Anatomy
The Pinna
The Pinna, Auricle, or Ear, just as any other part of the body, is composed of a variety of anatomical structures. These structures must be known to accurately locate, and use, ear acupuncture points.
Helix – the prominent rim of the auricle.
Tragus – a small curved flap in front of the auricle.
Anti-tragus – a small tubercle opposite the tragus above the ear lobe.
Inter-tragic notch – the depression between the tragus and antitragus.
Helix notch – the depression between the antitragus and antihelix.
Ear lobe – the lowest part of the auricle where there is no cartilage.
Superior concha / Cymba concha – the hollow superior to the concha ridge.
Inferior concha / Cavum concha / the hollow inferior to the concha ridge.
Scapha – the narrow curved depression between the helix and the helix crus.
Triangular fossa – the triangular depression between the superior and inferior antihelix crus
Darwin’s tubercle / Helix tubercle – a small tubercle at the posterior superior border of the helix.
Helix crus – ascending from the antitragus to inferior and superior to the tringular fossa
Concha ridge– the ridge seperating the superioir and inferior concha
Antihelix – An elevated ridge anterior and parallel to the helix. Its upper part divides into two branches, the superior and inferior antihelix crus.
Supra-tragic notch – the depression between the helix crus and the upper border of the tragus.
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The posterior of the ear also has anotmical landmarks, they’re as follows:
- Posterior surface of the Helix.
- Posterior prominance of the Triangular Fossa.
- Posterior groove of the Antihelix.
- Posterior prominance of the Superior Concha.
- Posterior prominance of the Inferior Concha.
- Posterior surface of the Lobe.
Click here to download the Ear anatomy map