Hairs of tragus

The hairs of the tragus (also known as tragi hairs) are the terminal or vellus hairs that grow on the tragus — the small, rounded, cartilaginous projection of skin-covered elastic cartilage located anterior to the external auditory meatus (ear canal opening). These hairs are part of the cutaneous adnexal structures (hair follicles, sebaceous glands) that cover the skin of the external ear.

Characteristics

• In many individuals, tragus hairs are fine vellus hairs that are barely noticeable. However, with advancing age — particularly in males — these hairs can become coarse, dark, terminal hairs, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as hypertrichosis pinnae auris when hair growth is prominent across the pinna.

• The hair follicles of the tragus and the adjacent cartilaginous canal serve a protective function, helping to trap dust, debris, and insects before they enter the external auditory canal. They also contribute to the local production of cerumen (earwax) in conjunction with the sebaceous and ceruminous (apocrine) glands of the cartilaginous canal.