Of a part or area located anterior to the auricle of the ear


Preauricular is a descriptive term that denotes to an area or part that is located anterior to the auricle of the ear. It is used in the following terms: preauricular tag, preauricular sinus, preauricular deep parotid lymph nodes, etc.

Preauricular tag, also called ear tag, preauricular appendage, preauricular tag, accessory tragus, refers to a minor congenital anomaly, a rudimentary tag of ear tissue, often containing a core cartilage, usually located just in front of the ear (auricle). It appears as a skin-covered nodule or papule on the surface of the skin anterior to the auricle.

Preauricular sinus, also referred to as the congenital auricular fistula, a congenital preauricular fistula, ear pit, or preauricular cyst, is a congenital malformation characterized by a sinus or a dent located adjacent to the external ear. The frequency of preauricular sinus is higher in Asians and Africans than Caucasians.

Preauricular deep parotid lymph nodes are lymph nodes that are located deep to the parotid fascia, anterior to the auricle of the ear. They are also referred to as the preauricular glands.

Word origin: pre- (before) + Latin auricularis, auricular (of the ear)

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