Intertragic

Intertragic is an anatomical term used to describe something situated between the tragus and the antitragus of the external ear (pinna). The area between these two projections forms the intertragic notch, a small indentation that helps define the rim of the pinna and the entrance to the external auditory canal.

In anatomical descriptions, intertragic refers to structures and relations within this region of the ear. The term is mainly used in medical texts, anatomy references, and specific fields such as ENT (ear, nose, and throat) to specify location on the auricle rather than to describe broader ear features.

Etymology traces the word to Latin inter- meaning between and tragus from Greek tragos. The related terms tragus and antitragus describe the opposing projections of the ear, while intertragic denotes their intervening area, including the intertragic notch.

In contemporary practice, the phrase appears in both scholarly and colloquial contexts. A common contemporary reference is the intertragic piercing, a body modification performed through the intertragic notch between the tragus and antitragus. This piercing is considered relatively difficult due to the area’s anatomy and proximity to the ear canal, requiring skilled technique and appropriate aftercare.

See also: auricle, tragus, antitragus, intertragic notch, ear anatomy.