While many focus on the inner workings of hearing, the external ear, or auricle, also plays a role in this intricate system. Among its various folds and curves, the tragus stands out as a small, yet intriguing, component. This modest cartilaginous projection often goes unnoticed, but it contributes to both our anatomy and daily experiences.
Pinpointing the Tragus’s Location
The tragus is a small cartilaginous projection found on the outer ear, specifically positioned directly in front of the ear canal opening. It forms part of the visible external ear (pinna or auricle). This flap-like structure is composed of elastic cartilage, allowing it to be flexible while maintaining its shape.
Its placement is anterior to the external auditory meatus, the ear canal entrance, and it projects backward over this opening. The tragus is situated in front of the concha, which is the large, bowl-shaped depression of the outer ear, and it lies opposite another smaller projection called the antitragus. The indentation between the tragus and the antitragus is known as the intertragic incisure.
What Does the Tragus Do?
The tragus contributes to the ear’s function by helping to direct sound waves into the ear canal, aiding sound localization. Its shape and position enhance the perception of higher-frequency sounds. Additionally, the tragus assists the brain in determining whether sounds originate from the front or rear by slightly delaying sounds that approach from behind.
The tragus can increase the effective acoustic length of the auditory canal, which influences the ear’s resonant frequencies. In humans, it also provides physical protection for the ear canal opening.
The Tragus in Daily Life
The tragus has become a popular site for ear piercings. Due to its cartilaginous nature, a tragus piercing typically requires a longer healing period compared to lobe piercings, often taking between two to three months, but potentially up to a year for full internal healing. Proper aftercare involves cleaning the piercing with a saline solution two to three times daily and avoiding pressure on the area, such as from headphones or sleeping on that side.
The tragus also plays a part in the fit and retention of certain ear-worn devices. Its structure can help secure earbuds and some hearing aids in place. However, a tragus piercing can interfere with the comfortable and effective use of in-ear headphones or hearing aids, especially during the healing process, making over-ear headphones a more suitable alternative. Tenderness or soreness of the tragus, particularly when touched, can occur due to irritation, infection, or trauma, and is sometimes a symptom of conditions like swimmer’s ear.