While the cartilage in your ears doesn't continuously grow in the same way bones do, ears do change and appear larger over time due to changes in cartilage and connective tissues.
Here's a breakdown of what happens:
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Cartilage Change, Not Growth: The ear's structure is primarily made of cartilage, a flexible connective tissue. This cartilage doesn't necessarily "grow" longer throughout life, but it does change.
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Weakening Connective Tissues: As we age, the connective tissues in our bodies, including those in the ears, weaken. This weakening can cause the ears to droop slightly.
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Weight Changes and Other Factors: Fluctuations in weight, injuries, and other bodily changes can affect the appearance and structure of the ears.
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Gravity's Effect: Over time, gravity pulls on the earlobes, causing them to stretch and elongate slightly. This is further amplified by the weakening connective tissues.
In summary, while the cartilage itself may not grow, the overall appearance of your ears can change over time, often resulting in them appearing larger due to changes in the cartilage, weakening tissues, and the effects of gravity. This isn't "growth" in the traditional sense, but rather a change in shape and size.
