Middle Ear Bone
The middle ear contains three small bones known as the ossicles: the malleus, incus, and stapes. These bones play a crucial role in hearing by transmitting sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. The malleus connects to the eardrum, while the stapes, the smallest bone in the human body, interfaces with the oval window of the inner ear.
The ossicles work together to amplify sound waves, making them strong enough to be converted into nerve signals by the cochlea. This process is essential for our ability to hear and understand sounds in our environment.