Malleus

Study entry

Parts

Head, in the epitympanic recess; neck, resting on the flaccid part of the tympanic membrane; manubrium (handle), embedded in the membrane, with its tip at the umbo; lateral and anterior processes. The tendon of the tensor tympani inserts on the manubrium, near the neck. The chorda tympani crosses the medial surface of the neck.

Joints

The head articulates with the incus. It moves with the tympanic membrane and works as a lever.

Source: cap. 8, «Oído»: huesecillos del oído

Other structures in this region

• Thyroid cartilage
• Cricoid cartilage
• Arytenoid, corniculate and cuneiform cartilages
• Epiglottis (epiglottic cartilage)
• Membranes and ligaments of the larynx (conus elasticus and quadrangular membrane)
• Frontal bone
• Parietal bone
• Occipital bone