Henry's pocket

In animal anatomy, Henry's pocket, more formally known as a cutaneous marginal pouch, is a fold of skin forming an open pouch on the lower posterior part of the external ear.[1] The pocket is situated in the approximate location of the antitragus in the human ear. It occurs in a number of species, including weasels and bats, but is particularly noticeable on the domestic cat, as well as some dog breeds.

Henry's Pocket prominent (centre) on the ear of a domestic cat

The pocket is of unknown function,[2] and it is unclear if any exists.[1] However, one hypothesis is that it aids in the detection of high-pitched sounds by attenuating lower pitches, especially when the ear is angled, common for a predator when hunting. Since the pocket occurs in a wide variety of mammalian species, it is likely a conserved feature from their common ancestor.

The pocket is a common area for parasites to gather, and should be checked during a veterinary examination.

References
  1. August, John R. (3 November 2009). Consultations in Feline Internal Medicine, Volume 6. Elsevier Health Sciences. pp. 319–321. ISBN 978-1-4377-0188-3.
  2. L.K., Cole (4 March 2010). "Anatomy and physiology of the canine ear". Veterinary Dermatology. 21 (2): 221–231. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3164.2010.00885.x. PMID 20230592.


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