Which part of the ear includes the pinna and external auditory canal?

The outer ear is the part of the ear that includes the pinna and the external auditory canal. The pinna, which is the visible part of the ear that protrudes from the head, helps to capture sound waves and funnel them into the external auditory canal. This canal leads to the eardrum and serves as a pathway for sound waves to enter the middle ear.

Understanding the structure of the ear is important in lifespan developmental psychology, particularly when considering how hearing develops and changes over time. The outer ear's anatomy is essential for sound perception, making it fundamental in studies related to auditory development and its impact on communication and social interaction throughout different life stages.

The other options refer to different parts of the ear. The middle ear contains the ossicles, which are small bones that amplify sound. The inner ear houses the cochlea and is involved in the process of converting sound vibrations into nerve impulses. The Organ of Corti, located within the cochlea of the inner ear, is specifically responsible for sensory transduction of sound. None of these structures are part of the outer ear, making the outer ear the correct answer.