Diagram of longitudinal section (l.s.) of a young lateral branch bearing an ear.

A lateral branch (often referred to as an ear shoot) of the corn plant bears the female inflorescence (flowering system) which, after pollination and fertilization, develops into the typical 'ear'.  The lateral branch arises from the culm (main stem/stalk) at a node.  The portion of the lateral branch below the 'ear' is called the shank.  The 'ear' consists of many kernels (caryopses) which are attached to the thick central axis (cob) of the ear.  8-14 modified leaves, called husks, are arranged up the shank in an alternate pattern and surround the developing ear.  Each husk leaf arises from a node of the shank. The lowermost husk leaf (adjacent to the culm) on the shank is called the prophyll (or prophyllum).  The prophyll can be distinguished from the other husk leaves by its two-keeled structure and its two apices (points). The remaining husk leaves each have only one keel and apex.  While the prophyll is collectively lumped with the husk leaves, biologically and botanically it is distinct from the other husk leaves arising from the shank (Chapman, 1996, p.60). 

Complete Labelled Lateral Branch and Ear

Paul Weatherwax, 1955.  Structure and Development of Reproductive Organs.  In: George F. Sprague (ed.), Corn and Corn Improvement.  Academic Press, New York.  Library of Congress catalog card no. 55-8262.