What is "outer ear"?

The outer ear is the external portion of the ear that consists of the pinna and the ear canal. The pinna, also known as the auricle, is the visible part of the ear that helps in capturing and funneling sound waves towards the ear canal. The ear canal is a narrow tube that leads to the middle ear, providing a pathway for sound to travel. The outer ear plays a crucial role in collecting and directing sound waves, allowing us to perceive and process auditory information.