Stirrup

File:Han Dynasty Stirrup.jpg

Stirrup
Details
Precursor	Reichert's cartilage
System	Auditory system
Articulations	Incudostapedial joint
Identifiers
Latin	Stapes
TA98
TH	{{#property:P1694}}
TE	{{#property:P1693}}
FMA	{{#property:P1402}}
Anatomical terms of bone

The stirrup, also known as the stapes, is a bone in the middle ear of humans and other mammals. It is involved in the conduction of sound vibrations to the inner ear. The stapes is the smallest and lightest bone in the human body.

Anatomy

The stapes is one of the three ossicles in the middle ear, the others being the malleus (hammer) and the incus (anvil). It has a stirrup-like shape, which is where it gets its common name. The stapes consists of a head, neck, two limbs (anterior and posterior crura), and a base (footplate).

Function

The primary function of the stapes is to transmit sound vibrations from the incus to the oval window, a membrane-covered opening to the inner ear. When sound waves enter the ear, they cause the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to vibrate. These vibrations are then transferred to the malleus, incus, and finally to the stapes. The stapes then transmits these vibrations to the fluid-filled cochlea in the inner ear, where they are converted into nerve impulses that are interpreted by the brain as sound.

Development

The stapes develops from the second pharyngeal arch, also known as Reichert's cartilage. During embryonic development, this cartilage undergoes endochondral ossification to form the stapes.

Clinical significance

Conditions affecting the stapes can lead to hearing loss. One such condition is otosclerosis, where abnormal bone growth around the stapes impedes its movement, resulting in conductive hearing loss. Surgical procedures, such as a stapedectomy, can be performed to improve hearing in individuals with otosclerosis.

See also

• Middle ear
• Ossicles
• Hearing
• Otosclerosis
• Stapedectomy

References

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