Final answer:
The external auditory canal is found on the temporal bone of the skull, and it functions as a passageway for sound waves to reach the tympanic membrane for hearing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The opening for the ear, termed the external auditory canal, is located on the temporal bone.
The external auditory canal is part of the external ear structures on the lateral surface of the head. This canal is used for hearing, allowing sound waves to reach the tympanic membrane, more commonly known as the eardrum. The temporal bone plays a critical role in the anatomy of the ear, not only accommodating the external auditory meatus but also housing the inner ear structures, including the cochlea and vestibular system, which are critical for hearing and balance.
The auricle, also known as the pinna, directs sound waves into the auditory canal, where they travel until they reach the tympanic membrane, causing it to vibrate.