Malleus is a hammer-shaped bone in middle ear. Connects with incus and attaches to inner surface of eardrum. Head is superior, handle is inferior. Contains lateral and anterior processes between neck and handle
The inner ear is the innermost part of vertebrates responsible for sound detection and balance. In mammals, it consists of a bony labyrinth with cochlea and vestibular system. The cochlea converts sound pressure into electrochemical impulses. The vestibular system detects head position, rotation, and linear motion
Stapes is the smallest bone in human body, measuring 2-3 mm. Connects to oval window via annular ligament and articulates with incus. Develops from second pharyngeal arch during 6th-8th week of embryology. Central cavity (obturator foramen) contains stapedial artery
Organ of Corti is the hearing receptor located in mammalian cochlea. Discovered by Italian anatomist Alfonso Corti in 1851. Located between vestibular and tympanic ducts in scala media. Composed of three rows of outer hair cells and one row of inner hair cells
Three interconnected tubes located in inner ear's bony labyrinth. Each canal contains semicircular duct filled with endolymph. Ampulla at one end contains crista ampullaris with hair cells. Canals open into vestibule through five orifices
Cochlea is a fluid-filled, spiral-shaped structure in inner ear. Approximately 10mm wide, 35mm long when uncoiled. Contains three chambers: scala vestibuli, scala media, and scala tympani. Located behind eardrum, deep within middle ear