The tragus is the small flap of cartilage in front of the ear canal opening, opposite the antitragus. It partly covers the entrance to the ear canal.
| Location | Front of the external acoustic meatus opening |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Auriculotemporal nerve |
| Blood Supply | Superficial temporal artery (anterior auricular branches) |
Helps direct sound into the ear canal and can be pressed to close it.
Pressing on the tragus is painful in outer ear infection (otitis externa) but not usually in middle ear infection. It is a landmark for finding the temporomandibular joint and superficial temporal artery pulse just in front.
Infection of the ear canal causing pain on pressing the tragus or pulling the ear.
A small congenital pit near the front of the helix or tragus that can become infected.
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