Malleus

A small bone located in the middle ear, critical for the process of hearing.

The malleus, also known as the hammer, is one of the three ossicles in the middle ear, alongside the incus and stapes. It is the largest of the three bones and is shaped somewhat like a hammer, consisting of a head, neck, and handle. The malleus is connected to the tympanic membrane and transfers sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

Terminologia Anatomica

malleus

System

Auditory system

Function

The primary function of the malleus is to transmit sound vibrations from the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to the inner ear. When sound waves hit the eardrum, it vibrates, causing the malleus to move. This motion is crucial because the malleus amplifies the sound vibrations before these are passed on to the incus and then to the stapes. Collectively, these small bones play a vital role in ensuring that sound is processed efficiently, allowing us to perceive a wide range of auditory experiences. Additionally, the malleus helps in maintaining the pressure balance in the middle ear, contributing to overall auditory function.

Location

The malleus is situated in the middle ear, a small cavity located behind the eardrum. It is connected to the tympanic membrane at one end and articulates with the incus at the other. The middle ear also houses the other two ossicles, the incus and stapes, which are arranged in a chain-like formation. The entire middle ear is housed within the temporal bone of the skull, which provides protection and structural support to these delicate auditory structures.

Did You Know?

The malleus is the only ossicle that is directly connected to the eardrum.
In some species, the malleus can also function in the balance as well as hearing.
The malleus plays a part in the impedance matching process, helping to prevent sound loss as acoustic energy moves from air to the fluid-filled inner ear.