Outer ear: The part of the ear that is visible along the side of the head. The outer ear consists of the pinna, or auricle (the visible projecting portion of the ear), the external acoustic meatus (the outside opening to the ear canal), and the external ear canal, which leads to the eardrum. The outer ear concentrates air vibrations on the eardrum to make the eardrum vibrate. Search MedTerms:
The muscles of mastication control chewing and include the temporalis, masseter, digastric, and the -glossus muscles of the tongue. Finally, the neck muscles include the sternocleidomastoid and splenius muscles, which move the head.
Pain that occurs in the neck and back of the head is a common set of symptoms. The cervical spine is a complex structure made up of seven cervical vertebrae, ligaments, muscles and sensitive nerves. Since the muscles of the cervical spine attach to the skull, problems in the neck can cause headaches in the back of the head. Most causes of neck pain or head pain are not serious though some may be. Any pain that radiates into the arm or shoulder, pain that does not resolve within a few days or loss of sensation or strength should be brought to the attention of a doctor.