scapha

anatomy

Also known as: fossa of helix

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July 13, 2026

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The term "scapha" refers to a specific anatomical feature within the human ear. It is a furrow or groove located on the auricle, also known as the outer ear. This furrow separates the antihelix from the helix, which are ridges of cartilage that form the structure of the auricle. The auricle itself is a cartilaginous shell covered in skin, designed to funnel sound towards the external auditory canal. The scapha is part of this complex structure that helps in collecting and directing sound waves into the ear.12

The term "scaphoid" is also used in anatomy, referring to a bone in the wrist (carpus) or the tarsus (ankle). The scaphoid bone is the largest bone in the proximal row of the wrist and is on the thumb side. The prefix "scaph-" or "scapho-" is derived from the Greek word for "boat," likely due to the boat-like shape of the scaphoid bone.345

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human ear
Outer ear
…helix by a furrow, the scapha, also called the fossa of the helix. In some ears a little prominence known as Darwin’s tubercle is seen along the upper, posterior portion of the helix; it is the vestige of the folded-over point of the ear of a remote human ancestor. The…
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…helix by a furrow, the scapha, also called the fossa of the helix. In some ears a little prominence known as Darwin’s tubercle is seen along the upper, posterior portion of the helix; it is the vestige of the folded-over point of the ear of a remote human ancestor. The…
Read More