tragal

Tragal is an adjective related to the tragus, a small cartilaginous projection on the external ear. The tragus sits at the entrance to the ear canal on the inner side of the pinna (the visible part of the ear) and forms part of the overall structure of the auricle, which also includes the helix, antihelix, concha, and anti-tragus. The tragus is felt as a rounded prominence just in front of the ear canal opening. The term is used in anatomy, clinical descriptions, and discussions of ear structure and function. The tragus is often considered together with the anti-tragus in describing ear anatomy and has a role in the way the ear collects and localizes sound, although the precise functional significance is complex and not completely defined.

In the context of body modification, a tragal piercing refers to a piercing that passes through the tragus cartilage. This is a common cartilage piercing and is typically performed with a straight Barbell or a curved jewelry post made of materials such as surgical steel, titanium, or niobium. Healing for cartilage piercings is generally longer than for lobe piercings, with many cases taking several months (often six to twelve months) to fully heal. Aftercare usually involves regular cleaning with a saline solution, avoiding irritation or trauma, and refraining from changing jewelry prematurely to reduce the risk of complications.

Possible complications include infection, prolonged swelling, cartilage damage, migration or rejection of jewelry, and, in rare cases, chondritis. People with predispositions to keloid formation or certain medical conditions should consult a professional piercer or healthcare provider before undergoing a tragal piercing. Variations include the standard tragus piercing and the double tragus, where two piercings are placed in the region around the tragus.