antitragus

anatomy

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Last updated

June 18, 2026

Quick Summary

The antitragus is a small projection of cartilage located on the outer ear, behind the external auditory canal. It is one of two small projections that partially cover the concha, the deepest depression of the auricle. The other projection is the tragus, which is located in front of the ear opening. The auricle, or outer ear, is primarily composed of elastic cartilage covered by skin, forming an irregular funnel shape that helps direct sound into the external auditory canal. The antitragus, along with the tragus, contributes to the unique structure of the human auricle.12

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human ear
Outer ear
…tragus in front and the antitragus behind. Above the tragus a prominent ridge, the helix, arises from the floor of the concha and continues as the incurved rim of the upper portion of the auricle. An inner, concentric ridge, the antihelix, surrounds the concha and is separated from the helix…
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…tragus in front and the antitragus behind. Above the tragus a prominent ridge, the helix, arises from the floor of the concha and continues as the incurved rim of the upper portion of the auricle. An inner, concentric ridge, the antihelix, surrounds the concha and is separated from the helix…
Read More