Stapes

Stapes

The Stapes is the smallest bone in the human body. It is one of the three ossicles in the middle ear, along with the malleus and the incus. The stapes transmits sound vibrations from the incus to the cochlea via the oval window, a flexible membrane separating the air-filled middle ear from the fluid-filled inner ear.

Anatomy

The stapes is a stirrup-shaped bone, and the base of the stapes, known as the footplate, is fitted into the oval window. The head of the stapes connects with the incus and is held in place by the annular ligament.

Function

The primary function of the stapes is to transmit sound vibrations from the air in the middle ear to the fluid in the inner ear. This is accomplished through the movement of the stapes in the oval window, which causes fluid waves in the cochlea. These waves stimulate the sensory cells of the ear, leading to the perception of sound.

Clinical significance

Diseases of the stapes can lead to hearing loss. One common condition is otosclerosis, which is a result of abnormal bone growth around the stapes. This can prevent the stapes from vibrating freely, leading to a conductive hearing loss. Treatment options for otosclerosis include hearing aids or surgery to replace the stapes bone.

See also

• Ossicles
• Middle ear
• Otosclerosis

References

Stapes Resources
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