Which ossicle is known as the stirrup?

The ossicle known as the stirrup is the stapes. This is the smallest bone in the human body and plays a crucial role in the process of hearing. The stapes is located in the middle ear and is part of a chain of three small bones, called ossicles, which also includes the malleus (hammer) and the incus (anvil).

The stapes connects to the oval window of the cochlea in the inner ear, and its primary function is to transmit sound vibrations from the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to the fluid in the cochlea. The shape of the stapes, resembling a stirrup, aids in this function as it helps to stabilize and efficiently transfer these vibrations, amplifying the sound as it goes into the inner ear.

Understanding the role and structure of the stapes is fundamental when studying how sound is conducted in the body, and its unique shape and position are key in facilitating hearing.