Elements of morphology: Standard terminology for the ear

TLDR

An international group of clinicians in dysmorphology has begun standardizing terms used to describe human morphology. The goal is to standardize these terms and reach consensus on their definitions. The authors introduce ear anatomy and define and illustrate the major descriptive terms for the ear. This standardization will enhance the utility of phenotype descriptions and enable more precise comparisons among patients and across related fields such as developmental biology and molecular genetics. © 2009 Wiley‑Liss, Inc.

Abstract

Abstract An international group of clinicians working in the field of dysmorphology has initiated the standardization of terms used to describe human morphology. The goals are to standardize these terms and reach consensus regarding their definitions. In this way, we will increase the utility of descriptions of the human phenotype and facilitate reliable comparisons of findings among patients. Discussions with other workers in dysmorphology and related fields, such as developmental biology and molecular genetics, will become more precise. Here we introduce the anatomy of the ear and define and illustrate the terms that describe the major characteristics of the ear. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.