Which of the following is considered an outer part of the ear?

The helix is considered an outer part of the ear because it refers to the prominent, folded rim of the ear's cartilage, which forms the outer ear structure known as the pinna or auricle. This outer part serves an important role in capturing sound waves and directing them into the ear canal toward the eardrum, allowing for the perception of sound.

In contrast, the stapes is one of the small bones located in the middle ear, playing a role in transmitting sound vibrations to the inner ear. The cochlea is part of the inner ear, responsible for converting sound vibrations into neural signals for the brain. The oval window, also part of the inner ear, is the membrane-covered opening that leads from the middle ear to the cochlea and plays a crucial role in the hearing process but is not part of the outer ear. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the anatomy of the ear and its components.