Which term describes the visible part of the ear that collects sound waves?

The term that describes the visible part of the ear that collects sound waves is the auricle. The auricle, also known as the pinna, is the external structure of the ear and plays a crucial role in capturing sound waves from the environment and directing them into the ear canal. Its distinctive shape helps in the localization of sound, allowing us to determine where a sound is coming from.

The other terms provided refer to specific parts of the auricle rather than the overall structure itself. The helix is the outer rim of the ear, the tragus is a small, rounded prominence that partially covers the ear canal, and the auricular lobule refers to the earlobe, which is the fleshy lower part of the ear. While these components are part of the external ear anatomy, they do not encompass the entire structure responsible for collecting sound waves like the auricle does.