What is the name of the outer ear structure surrounding the ear canal?

The outer ear structure surrounding the ear canal is known as the pinna, or auricle. This structure plays a crucial role in hearing by collecting sound waves and funneling them into the ear canal. The shape of the pinna helps in localizing sounds coming from various directions, which is essential for spatial awareness in auditory perception.

While the helix refers to the outer rim of the pinna itself, and the scapha is the shallow groove between the helix and the antihelix, neither of these terms encapsulates the entire structure that surrounds the ear canal. The concha, which is the bowl-like part of the outer ear, is also a component but does not represent the whole external ear. Thus, the pinna or auricle is the primary term that comprehensively identifies the structure we commonly associate with the external ear, illustrating its primary function and anatomical significance.