Malleus
Sensory (eye & ear)OrgansHeadLeft and right
View left in 3D View right in 3D
- What it is
- The "hammer": the outermost ossicle. Its long handle (manubrium) is embedded in the eardrum down to the umbo, while its rounded head sits up in the attic and articulates with the incus. A small lateral process tents the drum at the top of the handle.
- Function
- Transfers eardrum vibrations to the incus.
- Size
- About 8 mm long and 25 mg, the largest ossicle.
- Clinical note
- The tensor tympani tendon inserts on its handle. The three ossicles are the only bones that are already adult-sized at birth.