Malleus

Malleus
Left malleus. A. From behind. B. From within.
The right membrana tympani with the hammer and the chorda tympani, viewed from within, from behind, and from above (malleus visible at center)
Details
Pronunciation/ˈmæliəs/
PrecursorFirst branchial arch
Part ofMiddle ear
SystemAuditory system
Identifiers
Latinmalleus
MeSHD008307
TA98A15.3.02.043
TA2881
FMA52753
Anatomical terms of bone


The malleus, or hammer, is a hammer-shaped small bone or ossicle of the middle ear. It connects with the incus, and is attached to the inner surface of the eardrum. The word is Latin for 'hammer' or 'mallet'. It transmits the sound vibrations from the eardrum to the incus (anvil).