Auditory Ossicles

The ossicles (aka auditory ossicles) are the three smallest bones in the human body. They are in the middle ear and help to transmit sounds to the fluid filled labyrinth (cochlea). The term "ossicles" literally means "tiny bones" and commonly refers to the auditory ossicles, though the term may refer to any small bone throughout the body.

The ossicles are (in order from the eardrum to the inner ear): the malleus, incus and stapes. In Latin these are translated to the hammer, the anvil, and the stirrup.

The malleus articulates with the incus and is attached to the tympanic membrane (eardrum) from which vibrational energy is passed.

The incus acts as a connector for both of the other bones.

The stapes articulates with the incus and is attached to the membrane of the fenestra ovalis - the elliptical or oval window or opening between the middle ear and the vestibule of the inner ear.