Incus

Definition

The incus is one of the three small bones, also known as ossicles, located in the middle ear, playing a pivotal role in transmitting sound vibrations from the outer ear to the inner ear. It is specifically situated between the malleus and the stapes, acting as an intermediate conducting bone.

Related terms

Malleus: The malleus is an auditory ossicle that receives vibrations from the tympanic membrane (ear drum) and transfers them to the incus.

Stapes: The stapes is the smallest bone in the human body; it receives sound vibrations from the incus and passes them into the cochlea via the oval window.

Cochlea: A spiral-shaped organ within the inner ear responsible for converting mechanical sound vibrations into nerve impulses that are interpreted by the brain as sound