Which pair correctly matches a middle ear muscle with the bone to which it attaches?
- A Tensor tympani to the head of the malleus
- B Stapedius to the neck of the stapes ✓
- C Stapedius to the footplate of the stapes
- D Tensor tympani to the incus
Correct answer: B. Stapedius to the neck of the stapes
Explanation
The stapedius arises from the pyramidal eminence on the posterior wall of the middle ear and inserts into the neck of the stapes; it dampens excessive movement of the footplate in the oval window. The tensor tympani inserts into the handle of the malleus, not its head, and pulls the tympanic membrane medially to increase tension. Neither muscle attaches to the incus.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.