Parts of ears and brains NYT crossword clue

The answer to the clue “Parts of ears and brains” is **lobes**. Both the ears and the brain have structures referred to as “lobes.” In the brain, lobes are distinct regions that are responsible for different functions, such as the frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes. Similarly, the ear has the outer ear lobe, which is a soft, fleshy part that can be pierced for jewelry.

The term “lobes” connects the anatomy of both the auditory and the cognitive systems, highlighting how these different body parts share similar structural names. Whether referring to the soft ear lobes or the functional brain lobes, the word emphasizes the variety of shapes and functions across the body.