4: Middle Ear: The Ossicles

What are the three processes of the malleus?

1. Anterior 2. Lateral 3. Manubrium

What are the two processes of the incus?

Short process (portrudes posterior-inferior to epitympanic recess) Long process (parallel to manubrium)

Which ossicle is the smallest bone in the human body?

Stapes

The most lateral of the ossicles.

The malleus

Three small bones suspended in the middle ear cavity that form a bridge between the TM and inner ear.

The ossicles

The _________ is attached to the tissues of the eardrum.

Malleus

This ossicle consist of three processes.

Malleus

T/F: The overall size and shape of the ossicles changes dramatically as we grow.

False. They generally do not change very much. They are the smallest bones in the human body.

Other names for the malleus, incus and stapes.

Hammer, anvil and stirrup

Parts of the stapes (5)

Head Neck Crura (anterior, posterior) Footplate (base) Obturator foramen (triangular space formed by crura)

Which ossicle articulates with the head of the malleus?

Incus

Which ossicle has only two processes?

Incus

The attachment of the malleus is most intimate at the __________.

Umbo (Manubrium)