The anatomy of the human ear canal continues with a discussion of the general viewing references to properly visualize the configuration (shape) of the ear canal.

General Reference for Viewing
Most images of the ear canal are shown from the frontal dimension. This is unfortunate because that angle provides the least information relative to the shape of the ear canal. The better view is that looking down on the ear canal from above as shown in Figure 9B.
Ear Canal Configuration
The overall configuration of the external auditory canal is “S” shaped (Figures 9 and 10), with a rising orientation from the aperture (opening) of the canal to the tympanic membrane (Figures 10 and 11).


Ear Canal Cross-Section Dimensions
Cross-sectional measurements of the ear canal made at different locations provide important information for those individuals who insert earpieces of various types and configurations into the ear canal (Figure 12).

(Next week’s post will begin a discussion on methods used to obtain ear canal dimensional data).