Which of the following is the purpose of the waxy substance that builds up in the ear canal?

A. Insulating the ear canal

B. Trapping and removing debris

C. Promoting sound conduction

D. Cushioning and stabilizing the pinna
I thinks it is B

Ear wax is 20 to 50 percent fat, and it coats the ear canal to moisturize it, fight off infection, and help keep dust, dirt, and other debris from getting deep inside your ear.

B is the best answer above, but it is really not a good answer, as it misses the point.

To determine the correct answer, let's analyze the purpose of the waxy substance, known as cerumen, that builds up in the ear canal.

A. Insulating the ear canal: This option is not the primary purpose of cerumen. While cerumen may provide some insulation, it is not its main function.

B. Trapping and removing debris: This is one of the main purposes of cerumen. The ear canal is lined with ceruminous glands, and the sticky nature of cerumen helps to trap dust, dirt, and other foreign particles that enter the ear, preventing them from reaching deeper parts of the ear.

C. Promoting sound conduction: While cerumen can play a role in sound conduction, its primary function is not related to this. The shape of the ear canal itself, along with the eardrum, plays a more significant role in sound conduction.

D. Cushioning and stabilizing the pinna: The pinna is the external part of the ear. Cerumen does not directly serve the purpose of cushioning or stabilizing the pinna.

Considering the options given, option B, trapping and removing debris, is indeed the correct answer. Cerumen helps to protect the ear by capturing and trapping foreign particles, preventing them from reaching the delicate structures of the middle and inner ear.