Anatomy
malleus Audio
mal·le·us [ mal-ee-uhs ]
Subclass of:
Ear ossicle
Etymology:
Latin malleus = a hammer
The largest of the ossicles is named malleus because of its shape.
Definitions related to malleus:
  • A hammer-shaped bone, part of three interconnected small bones located in the middle ear. It is attached to the inner surface of the tympanic membrane and its function is to transmit sound vibrations.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Auditory ossicle, each instance of which is the outermost ossicle that is attached to the tympanic membrane.
    Foundational Model of Anatomy
    University of Washington, 2017
  • The largest of the auditory ossicles, and the one attached to the membrana tympani (TYMPANIC MEMBRANE). Its club-shaped head articulates with the INCUS.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
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