Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The middle ear is an air-filled cavity located between the outer ear and the inner ear. It contains the ossicles, which are three tiny bones that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
The three ossicles in the middle ear are called the malleus, incus, and stapes.
The middle ear connects to the throat via the Eustachian tube, which helps equalize pressure.
Sound waves cause the eardrum (tympanic membrane) to vibrate, and these vibrations are passed through the ossicles.
The stapes is connected to the oval window of the cochlea in the inner ear.
Infections in this area can lead to conditions such as otitis media, which can affect hearing.
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Related terms
Ossicles: Three small bones (malleus, incus, and stapes) in the middle ear that transmit sound vibrations.
Eustachian Tube: A canal that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx and helps equalize air pressure on both sides of eardrum.
Tympanic Membrane: Also known as eardrum; it vibrates in response to sound waves and transmits these vibrations to ossicles.