Which canal connects to the eardrum and can be touched with a finger?

• A. Cochlea
• B. Auditory canal
• C. Ear
• D. Auditory nerve

Answer: (B)

The part at issue is the outer ear passage that leads directly to the eardrum. The auditory canal, also called the external auditory canal or ear canal, is a tube that begins at the ear opening and ends at the tympanic membrane (eardrum). Because it forms a conduit from the outside world straight to the eardrum, you can reach and touch it at the open end, which is why this is the correct choice. It also has protective features like earwax to keep debris out while guiding sound toward the eardrum.

The cochlea sits deep in the inner ear and is involved in turning vibrations into nerve signals; it isn’t connected to the eardrum in a way you can touch. The ear as a whole is the organ, not a canal, so it doesn’t fit the idea of a touchable tunnel leading to the eardrum. The auditory nerve carries signals away from the ear to the brain, not a canal or passage.