The ear bones, also known as the ossicles, are three tiny bones located in the middle ear. They consist of the malleus, incus, and stapes, which work together to transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. These bones are essential for hearing, as they amplify and transfer sound waves to the cochlea. The malleus, shaped like a hammer, connects to the eardrum, while the incus, resembling an anvil, sits between the malleus and stapes. The stapes, the smallest bone in the human body, connects to the oval window of the cochlea, allowing sound to be converted into nerve signals for the brain.