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What term refers to the absence of the external ear?

  1. Otitis

  2. Microtia

  3. Anotia

  4. Hematoma

The correct answer is: Anotia

The term that refers to the absence of the external ear is anotia. Anotia is a congenital condition where one or both external ears are missing. This condition is often associated with other ear deformities and can affect hearing, often necessitating surgical intervention or the use of prosthetic ears for cosmetic and functional purposes. Microtia, while related, describes a condition where the external ear is underdeveloped but not completely absent. Otitis refers to inflammation of the ear, and a hematoma is a collection of blood outside of blood vessels, often caused by trauma, and is not related to the structural development of the ear. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in the field of surgical technology, especially when preparing for procedures involving ear reconstruction or treatment of ear disorders.