Helix

The helix of the external ear auricle is a prominent, curved outer rim that begins anteriorly at its root, also known as the crus of the helix, located just above the tragus. From this starting point, the helix arches upward and backward along the edge of the ear before descending to terminate at the lobule. It serves as the primary structural contour and framework of the auricle.

Where the helix arches upward and backward from the crus, it is characterized by a small, palpable cartilaginous prominence known as the spine of the helix. At its lower extremity, the helix transitions into a narrow, tail-like extension referred to as the cauda helicis.

Internally, the helix is separated from the adjacent antihelix by the scapha, a shallow groove that runs along the length of the ear’s margin.