

The auricle collects sound and, like a funnel, amplifies the sound and directs it to the auditory canal. The auricle's functions are to collect sound and transform it into directional and other information. This explains why vesicles are classically seen on the auricle in herpes infections of the facial nerve ( Ramsay Hunt syndrome type II). These portions of the ear are supplied by the cervical plexus and a small portion by the facial nerve.

The final three hillocks are derived from the second branchial arch and form the antihelix, antitragus, and lobule, respectively. Cutaneous sensation to these areas is via the trigeminal nerve, the attendant nerve of the 1st branchial arch.

The first three hillocks are derived from the 1st branchial arch and form the tragus, crus of the helix, and helix, respectively. En route accessory auricles (also known as preauricular tags) may be left behind. These hillocks develop into the folds of the auricle and gradually shift upwards and backwards to their final position on the head. The developing auricle is first noticeable around the sixth week of gestation in the human fetus, developing from the auricular hillocks, which are derived from the first and second pharyngeal arches.
