What is the shape of the external auditory canal?

The external auditory canal, also known as the ear canal, is a tubular structure that extends from the outer ear to the eardrum. Its shape is best described as curved.

This curvature is important because it helps in the natural funneling of sound waves toward the eardrum, thereby enhancing hearing ability. The canal is not straight, which allows for better acoustic properties and protects the deeper structures of the ear from direct exposure to foreign objects and debris. While options suggesting oval or round shapes might be considered based on certain perspectives or sections, they do not adequately represent the true anatomical structure of the external auditory canal, which is predominantly characterized by its curved shape.