Which part of the external ear is the lower portion composed of adipose tissue and contains many nerve endings?

• A. Auricle (Pinna)
• B. Earlobe
• C. Helix
• D. Tragus

Answer: (B)

The lower portion of the external ear is the earlobe, which is made up mainly of adipose (fat) tissue and connective tissue and has a rich supply of nerve endings. This combination gives the earlobe its soft, fleshy feel and high sensitivity, making it the part most associated with sensation and flexible for things like ear piercing. The other structures—such as the helix and tragus—are cartilaginous or partly cartilaginous and are not composed primarily of fat. The auricle (pinna) refers to the entire outer ear, not just the lower portion.