Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The auricle is one of the two upper chambers (atria) of the heart, specifically the ear-shaped flap on the outer part of each atrium that increases its volume. It plays a role in holding blood before it moves to the ventricles below.
Related terms
Atrium: The atrium is one of two upper chambers in the heart that receives blood returning to the heart from other areas of the body.
Ventricle: A ventricle is one of two lower chambers in the heart that pump blood out of the heart to various parts of the body.
The cardiac cycle refers to a complete heartbeat from its generation to the beginning of the next beat, including systole (contraction) and diastole (relaxation)