What is the Tragus of the Ear?
The tragus is a small, flat, triangular piece of cartilage covered by skin that projects anteriorly over the entrance to the external ear canal, located in front of the ear opening. 1
Anatomical Description
The tragus serves as a distinct anatomical landmark with both functional and aesthetic importance:
- Location: Positioned immediately anterior to (in front of) the external auditory canal opening
- Structure: Small cartilaginous prominence covered by skin
- Shape: Typically flat and triangular, though individual variations exist (knob-shaped forms are also common) 2
- Function: Provides partial coverage and protection to the ear canal entrance 3
Clinical Significance
The tragus has important diagnostic value in ear examinations. A hallmark clinical sign used to distinguish acute otitis externa (swimmer's ear) from other ear conditions is tenderness when the tragus is pushed or manipulated 1. This tenderness is often intense and disproportionate to the visual appearance of the ear canal, making it a key diagnostic feature.
Proper Examination Technique
When examining for ear canal inflammation, clinicians assess tragal tenderness by:
- Pushing on the tragus with gentle pressure
- Pulling on the pinna (outer ear)
- Observing for disproportionate pain response 1
Practical Applications
For administering ear drops, patients can facilitate medication delivery by pressing the tragus with an in-and-out movement after instilling drops, which helps push medication deeper into the ear canal 4, 1.
The tragus also plays an aesthetic role in ear reconstruction surgery, where it creates depth perception by casting a shadow into the conchal bowl 3, 5.
Note: The term "tragus" derives from the Greek word for "billy goat," likely referring to the hair that often grows from this structure in older individuals 6.