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Ossicles of the middle ear (Malleus, Incus, Stapes)

In the middle ear, we find three ossicles (figure: from left to right):

  • Incus
  • Malleus
  • Stapes

Their role is to mechanically amplify the vibrations of the tympanic membrane and transmit them to the cochlea where they can be interpreted as sound. They articulate with each other via tiny synovial joints.

Interestingly, they are the only bones in the body that do not grow after birth.