How does the malleus receive vibrations from the eardrum?

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Cross-section diagram of the human ear showing the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear, with labeled parts including the auricle, auditory canal, tympanic membrane, ossicles, cochlea, semicircular canals, and nerves. — human ear Structure of the human ear.

The malleus receives vibrations from the eardrum through its handle, which is firmly attached to the membrane. Specifically, the tip of the handle is connected to the umbo, the central portion of the eardrum.123

When sound waves cause the eardrum to vibrate, the membrane moves inward and outward, transferring this motion directly to the handle of the malleus. Because the head of the malleus is tightly joined to the body of the incus, these two bones move as a single unit in unison with the eardrum, effectively transmitting the vibrations further along the ossicular chain toward the inner ear.31