Definition & Meaning of "lobule"

What is "lobule"?

The lobule, also known as the earlobe, is the soft, fleshy lower part of the external ear. It is composed of connective tissue, fat, and blood vessels, and it lacks the cartilage found in the rest of the ear. The lobule hangs down from the ear and is often a site for various types of ear piercings. It has a significant role in personal aesthetics and cultural practices, with earrings and other adornments commonly worn on the lobes. The lobule does not contribute to hearing but serves as an individualized and distinctive feature of the human ear.