Anatomy · Eye and Ear Anatomy

Which middle ear ossicle is directly attached to the tympanic membrane?

A Incus
B Malleus ✓
C Stapes
D Lenticular bone

Correct answer: B. Malleus

Explanation

The malleus is the lateralmost ossicle and its handle (manubrium) is embedded between the fibrous and mucosal layers of the tympanic membrane, so vibrations of the drum pass directly to it. Its head articulates with the body of the incus in the epitympanic recess. The incus merely links the two, and only the footplate of the stapes contacts the oval window, so no other ossicle touches the drum.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.

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