Atresia involves which of the following?

Atresia refers specifically to a congenital condition in which there is an absence or complete closure of the ear canal. While it might seem similar to other conditions affecting the ear, what distinguishes atresia is that the ear canal does not develop at all or is entirely obstructed, leading to profound hearing loss if not addressed.

The correct response emphasizes the absence of the ear canal, highlighting the severity of the condition. This lack of development can lead to significant auditory consequences and often requires surgical intervention or the use of hearing aids to manage hearing loss. Handling atresia often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including specialists in otology and audiology, to provide the best outcomes for individuals affected by this condition.

In contrast, the other choices address different ear-related conditions. A refers to a complete closure of the outer ear, which may suggest more comprehensive issues but is not encapsulating of the developmental aspect specific to atresia. C describes a deformity of the pinna, which may occur independently of the ear canal's formation. D suggests a temporary ear infection, which does not relate at all to the structural issues characteristic of atresia.