Ear-like lobe.
A lobe or pair of lobes at the base of a leaf.
The tip of each atrium in the heart.
Tissue and cartilage that form the C shape of the external ear and semicircular canals.
A small pouch in the wall of each atrium of the heart: the term is also used incorrectly as a synonym for atrium.
A term applied both to the pinna, or flap, of the ear, and also to the ear-shaped tip of the atrium of the heart.
The portion of the external ear not contained within the head; the pinna.
The term auricle refers to both the external flap of the ear, commonly known as the pinna, as well as the earlike appendages found in the atria, which are the upper chambers of the heart. In the context of the ear, the auricle plays a vital role in collecting sound waves and directing them into the ear canal for further processing. It helps with sound localization and contributes to our ability to perceive and interpret auditory stimuli. When referring to the heart, the auricles are small muscular pouches located at the top of each atrium, assisting in the regulation of blood flow and maintaining efficient cardiac function. Though the term auricle is used in different contexts, its underlying concept revolves around structures resembling the shape or function of an ear.
In the most literal sense, it’s a small ear, but in a broader context, it’s a receptacle where something can enter. In medical terms, it typically describes the outer ear flap located on the side of the head, consisting of skin-covered cartilage, also known as the pinna.
Mistakenly, the term is occasionally used to refer to the heart’s upper chambers known as the atria. The auricle, however, is truly an extension of the atrium where blood initially enters from the blood vessels. It also serves as the access point for heart surgeons when they need to enter the heart.