stapedius
Quick Summary
The stapedius is one of two tiny muscles located in the middle ear. This muscle arises from the back wall of the middle-ear cavity and attaches to the neck of the stapes, the smallest of the three ear bones. When the stapedius contracts, it tips the stapes backward, which reduces the intensity of sounds entering the inner ear. This reflex action is thought to have a protective value against loud noises, although it may not protect against sudden, intense sounds like explosions. The stapedius works in conjunction with the tensor tympani muscle, which tenses the eardrum.123
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- ear bone
The second, called stapedius, tends to pull the footplate of the stapes out of the oval window. This is accomplished by tipping the stirrup, or stapes, backward.
Read MoreThe second, called stapedius, tends to pull the footplate of the stapes out of the oval window. This is accomplished by tipping the stirrup, or stapes, backward.
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human earFunction of the muscles of the middle ear…the tensor tympani and the stapedius, can influence the transmission of sound by the ossicular chain. Contraction of the tensor tympani pulls the handle of the malleus inward and, as the name of the muscle suggests, tenses the tympanic membrane. Contraction of the stapedius pulls the stapes footplate outward from…
Read More…the tensor tympani and the stapedius, can influence the transmission of sound by the ossicular chain. Contraction of the tensor tympani pulls the handle of the malleus inward and, as the name of the muscle suggests, tenses the tympanic membrane. Contraction of the stapedius pulls the stapes footplate outward from…
Read More