:Ossicles:

Pronunciation GB: ˈɒsɪklz, GA: ˈɑsɪklz

The three small bones of the middle ear:

  • malleus or hammer: attached to the inner surface of the eardrum
  • incus or anvil: links the malleus to the stapes
  • stapes or stirrup: attached to the oval window in the cochlea

See hearing mechanism for more details.