Which part of the ear is included in the outer ear anatomy?

The tympanic membrane is considered part of the outer ear anatomy because it serves as the boundary between the outer ear and the middle ear. The outer ear primarily comprises the pinna (the visible part of the ear) and the ear canal leading to the tympanic membrane. This structure plays a crucial role in the hearing process by transmitting sound waves from the external environment to the middle ear.

In contrast, the stapes is a bone located in the middle ear, involved in transmitting sound vibrations to the inner ear. The cochlea and the semicircular canals are part of the inner ear, serving essential functions in hearing and balance, respectively. Understanding the delineation between the outer, middle, and inner ear structures is vital for grasping how the auditory system functions.