The external ear consists of which two main components?

• A. Tympanic Membrane and Malleus
• B. Cochlea and Semicircular Canals
• C. Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear
• D. Auricle and External Auditory Meatus

Answer: (D)

The external ear is made up of the auricle (pinna) and the external auditory canal (meatus). The auricle is the visible ear cartilage that helps capture sound, while the external auditory canal is the passage leading to the tympanic membrane, directing sound toward the middle ear. The other structures listed belong to other parts of the ear or its connections: the cochlea and semicircular canals are in the inner ear; the Eustachian tube is in the middle ear and connects to the throat; the tympanic membrane and malleus are boundary/middle-ear components. Therefore, the two parts that define the external ear are the auricle and the external auditory canal.