Darwin’s tubercle
anatomy
Quick Summary
Darwin's tubercle is a small anatomical variation found on the human ear. It is a thickening on the helix, the outer rim of the ear, typically located on the upper, posterior portion. This tubercle is considered a vestigial trait, meaning it is a remnant from a remote human ancestor whose ears had a more pointed and folded shape. While not present in everyone, its occurrence is a normal anatomical variation and does not affect hearing or ear function.1
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