Which term refers to the outer ear and its function in hearing?

The term "auricle" refers to the outer part of the ear, also known as the pinna. Its primary function in hearing is to collect sound waves from the environment and direct them into the ear canal, where they eventually travel to the inner structures of the ear for processing. The shape and structure of the auricle enhance its ability to capture sound, allowing humans to localize and perceive sounds more effectively. Understanding the role of the auricle is crucial in the study of auditory anatomy and how sound is transmitted through the ear.

In contrast, the cochlea is part of the inner ear responsible for converting sound vibrations into neural signals. The Eustachian tube serves to equalize pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere, which is a different aspect of hearing and ear function. The auditory nerve transmits sound information from the inner ear to the brain, highlighting a stage in the auditory processing pathway that occurs after the sound has been collected by the auricle.