Final answer:
The large cartilaginous external portion of the ear is called the auricle. The middle ear contains the ossicles, which are three tiny bones that transfer sound vibrations to the inner ear. The cochlea is a structure in the inner ear responsible for auditory transduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The large, cartilaginous external portion of the ear is called the auricle. The auricle, also known as the pinna, is the fleshy structure on the lateral aspect of the head that directs sound waves towards the auditory canal. It is part of the outer ear, which also includes the ear canal and the tympanic membrane. The three tiny bones in the middle ear that transfer sound vibrations to the inner ear are called the ossicles, specifically the malleus, incus, and stapes. The cochlea, on the other hand, is a structure in the inner ear that is responsible for auditory transduction.