Stapes

Study entry

Parts

The smallest ossicle: head (lateral), two limbs and base. The oval base fits into the oval window of the medial wall of the tympanic cavity, attached to its margins. Because it is much smaller than the tympanic membrane, the vibratory force of the stapes is about ten times greater than that of the membrane. The stapedius muscle inserts on the neck.

Joints

The head articulates with the incus; the base, with the oval (vestibular) window.

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