The vibration of sound waves cause the tympanic membrane, or eardrum, to move against an ossicle known as ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The three ossicles in the ear are called the malleus (or hammer), incus (or anvil), and stapes (or stirrup). When sound waves enter the ear, they cause the tympanic membrane to vibrate, which in turn causes the malleus to move. The malleus then transmits this vibration to the incus and then to the stapes, which ultimately vibrates against the oval window of the cochlea, allowing sound to be processed by the inner ear. Therefore, the correct answer is A) malleus or hammer.

The Vibration of Sound Waves Cause the Tympanic Membrane, or Eardrum