earlobes

The earlobe, or lobulus auriculae, is the soft, fleshy lower part of the external ear. It consists mainly of loose connective tissue and adipose tissue and lacks cartilage, which is present in the rest of the auricle. The lobule is continuous with the surrounding skin and sits at the inferior border of the ear.

There are two principal shapes observed in humans: free (unattached) lobes that hang below the ear, and attached lobes that are connected more directly to the side of the face. The appearance and size of the lobule vary considerably among individuals and populations.

Developmentally, the lobule forms from mesenchymal tissue at the lower portion of the developing auricle. Unlike the upper ear, which contains cartilage, the earlobe remains a soft, cartilage-free structure.

Vascularization and innervation are characteristic of the region. The lobule receives blood from branches of the posterior auricular and superficial temporal arteries, with venous drainage into the external jugular system. Sensory innervation is primarily through the great auricular nerve (C2–C3), with smaller contributions from the lesser occipital and auriculotemporal nerves.

Functionally, the earlobe does not have a known essential biological role. It is often a site for ornamentation, particularly ear piercing, and its appearance can be a variable feature in clinical and anthropological contexts. Trauma or aging can alter its shape and elasticity, and cosmetic procedures sometimes alter its size or form.