Incus

Illu auditory ossicles-en

Occipital bone dissection

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Incus
File:Incus.png The incus in the middle ear
Details
Precursor	1st branchial arch
System	Auditory system
Articulations	Malleus, Stapes
Identifiers
Latin	Incus
TA98
TH	{{#property:P1694}}
TE	{{#property:P1693}}
FMA	{{#property:P1402}}
Anatomical terms of bone

The incus is one of the three small bones, or ossicles, in the middle ear. It is also known as the anvil due to its shape. The incus plays a crucial role in the auditory system by transmitting sound vibrations from the malleus to the stapes.

Anatomy

The incus is located in the middle ear and is the second of the three ossicles. It has a body and two limbs: the short limb and the long limb. The short limb is connected to the posterior wall of the tympanic cavity, while the long limb articulates with the stapes.

Function

The primary function of the incus is to transmit sound vibrations from the malleus to the stapes. When sound waves enter the ear, they cause the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to vibrate. These vibrations are then transferred to the malleus, which in turn transmits them to the incus. The incus then passes these vibrations to the stapes, which sends them to the oval window of the cochlea in the inner ear.

Development

The incus develops from the first branchial arch during embryonic development. This arch also gives rise to the malleus and other structures in the head and neck.

Clinical significance

Damage or disease affecting the incus can lead to hearing loss. Conditions such as otosclerosis can cause the ossicles to become immobile, reducing their ability to transmit sound vibrations effectively. Surgical procedures, such as ossiculoplasty, may be performed to repair or replace damaged ossicles.

See also

• Malleus
• Stapes
• Middle ear
• Ossicles
• Hearing
• Tympanic membrane
• Cochlea

References

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