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malleus
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Diagram of the human ear showing how sound waves travel through the outer ear and auditory canal to the tympanic membrane, causing vibrations in the ossicles, and then through the middle and inner ear, including the cochlea. Color-coded sections highlight the outer ear in orange, middle ear in pink, and inner ear in blue. structures of the middle ear
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malleus

anatomy
Also known as: hammer
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Diagram of the human ear showing how sound waves travel through the outer ear and auditory canal to the tympanic membrane, causing vibrations in the ossicles, and then through the middle and inner ear, including the cochlea. Color-coded sections highlight the outer ear in orange, middle ear in pink, and inner ear in blue.
human ear canal In human hearing, sound waves enter the outer ear and travel through the external auditory canal. When the waves reach the tympanic membrane, they cause the membrane and the attached chain of auditory ossicles to vibrate. The motion of the stapes against the oval window sets up waves in the fluids of the cochlea, causing the basilar membrane to vibrate. This stimulates the sensory cells of the organ of Corti, atop the basilar membrane, to send nerve impulses to the brain.

The malleus, also known as the hammer, is one of the three tiny bones found in the middle ear of all mammals. It is the outermost of these bones, which together form a chain that transmits sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. The malleus is attached to the eardrum membrane and resembles a club or hammer. The term "malleal" refers to anything related to the malleus.1234

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4 Britannica Sources
  1. malleus
  2. ear bone
  3. malleal
  4. human ear - Auditory ossicles

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