What the term does not establish
Keep the category boundary visible
- It is not the upper cymba conchae.
- It is not synonymous with the entire concha or every region near the ear canal.
- Cavum placement is not direct proof of selective vagal activation.
Anatomy
Cavum conchae
Definition
The cavum conchae is the lower, larger part of the conchal bowl of the outer ear, below the crus of the helix and near the ear-canal entrance.
Aliases and abbreviations
cavum concha · lower concha
Editorial record
Published: August 25, 2026 · Reviewed: August 25, 2026
Expanded definition
Cavum conchae
The cavum conchae forms the lower section of the concha. It sits below the cymba conchae and contributes to the bowl-shaped region that leads toward the external ear canal.
Some auricular stimulation protocols use the cavum, adjacent conchal regions, or multi-contact electrodes spanning more than one named area. Reporting should therefore describe the actual contact location rather than relying on a broad label.
Innervation in the outer ear is overlapping and variable. The cavum can be relevant to taVNS research, but anatomy alone does not establish which fibres a specific electrode activates.
Why the distinction matters
Precision changes interpretation
Separating cavum from cymba, tragus, and broader conchal labels improves reproducibility and prevents anatomical differences from disappearing in comparisons.
Main guide
Auricular VNS guide
A practical guide to taVNS, conchal anatomy, electrode placement, and interpretation.
Read the auricular guideSources and further reading
Related terms
Anatomy
Auricular branch of the vagus nerve
Open definitionStimulation methods
Auricular vagus nerve stimulation
Open definitionAnatomy
Cymba conchae
Open definitionAnatomy
Tragus
Open definitionAnatomy
Earlobe
Open definitionProtocol and stimulation parameters
Stimulation site
Open definitionEditorial scope
A definition is an entry point, not a product claim
This glossary entry supports general education. It does not diagnose, recommend treatment, or transfer findings from one VNS method, protocol, or device to another.