Final answer:
The auricle or pinna is a skin-covered cartilaginous structure that is part of the outer ear and helps direct sound waves into the auditory canal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The auricle or pinna is the outermost part of the ear that is visible on the side of the head. It is a skin-covered cartilaginous structure that helps in collecting and directing sound waves into the auditory canal. The auricle’s C-shaped curves help to focus these sound waves towards the ear canal which leads to the tympanic membrane or eardrum.
This structure is considered a part of the outer ear, which also consists of the ear canal, and the tympanic membrane, and is crucial for the initial phase of hearing. The correct answer to your question is option 1) A skin-covered cartilaginous structure encircling the auditory canal opening.