Final answer:
Cerumen, or earwax, primarily functions to clean and lubricate the external auditory canal, trapping dust and small particles and preventing infections with antimicrobial properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary function of cerumen, commonly known as earwax, is to clean and lubricate the external auditory canal. Cerumen serves numerous protective roles for the ear. It traps dust and other small particles, preventing them from reaching the delicate eardrum. Moreover, the lubricating property of cerumen ensures that the skin of the auditory canal does not dry out, thereby maintaining its health. Additionally, cerumen has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent infections in the ear canal. While cerumen does play an indirect role in limiting water entry to some extent, its main purpose is not to prevent water from entering the middle ear, nor is it specifically for lubricating the ossicles or softening the tympanic membrane.