Question

The pinna of the ear is composed of
A. Elastic cartilage
B. Hyaline cartilage
C. White fibrocartilage
D. Bone

Answer 1

Hint: Our ear performs two sensory functions, hearing and maintenance of body balance. Ear is divided into three sections: the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. The pinna and the external auditory meatus make up the outer ear (and are made up of cartilage and skin) whereas malleus, incus and stapes make up the inner ear. They are connected to each other in a chain-like manner. Inner ear is a small compartment next to the middle ear which contains the hearing and balance apparatus. It has two parts:- cochlea ( the hearing portion) and semicircular canals (the balance portion).

Complete Step by Step Answer:
The visible part of the ear is the auricle which is also known as the pinna. The pinna is made up of a thin plate of yellow elastic cartilage which is covered by integuments. It is connected by ligament to the surrounding parts and by fibrous tissue to the ear canal (external auditory meatus).

Hyaline cartilage has few cells and more intercellular spaces than elastic cartilage. It is found in the nose tip, trachea, parts of the larynx and smaller respiratory tubes.
The Eustachian tube is a tube that connects the middle ear to the pharynx. The cartilaginous part of the eustachian tube is made of white fibrocartilage.

Thus, the correct answer is option A.

Note: Our outer ear consists of the pinna and the external auditory meatus (canal). The pinna collects the vibration in air which produces sound and funnels them into the canal. If pinna gets damaged then we may not be able to hear anything and the world would seem to be quieter.