The middle ear contains three tiny bones known as the ossicles. These bones are called the malleus, incus, and stapes. They play a crucial role in hearing by transmitting sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. The malleus is attached to the eardrum, while the stapes connects to 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.