pinna

views updated May 18 2018

pin·na / ˈpinə/ • n. (pl. pin·nae / ˈpinē/ ) 1. Anat. & Zool. the external part of the ear in humans and other mammals; the auricle.2. Bot. a primary division of a pinnate leaf, esp. of a fern.3. Zool. any of a number of animal structures resembling fins or wings.

pinna

views updated May 23 2018

pinna (auricle) The visible part of the outer ear, present in some mammals. It is made of cartilage and its function is to channel sound waves into the external auditory meatus. In some species the pinna is movable and aids in detecting the direction from which a sound originates.

pinna

views updated Jun 08 2018

pinna
1. In Mammalia, an extension of the external ear to form a trumpet-like structure, often mobile, supported by cartilage.

2. Fin, or fin-like limb.

pinna

views updated May 21 2018

pinna Flap of skin and cartilage that comprises the visible, external part of the ear. It helps to collect sound waves and direct them into the ear canal.

pinna

views updated May 23 2018

pinna (auricle) (pin-ă) n. the flap of skin and cartilage that projects from the head at the exterior opening of the external auditory meatus of the ear.

pinna

views updated May 23 2018

pinna One of the leaflets of a pinnate leaf.

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