1. Ossicular connections
Malleus: Manubrium of malleus connects to umbo of TM.
Incus: Head of malleus connects to body of incus (incudo-mallear joint)
Stapes: Inferior process of incus connects to form lenticular process, which connects to the stapes (incudo-stapedial joint)
Footplate of the stapes connects to the oval window

3. Ossicular connections, cont’d.
Suspended in the middle ear cavity by axial ligaments
Posterior ligaments of incus
Anterior ligaments of malleus
Middle ear muscles
Tensor tympani: Connected to manubrium of the malleus
Activated by the trigeminal nerve
Stapedial muscle: Connected to the head of the stapes
Activated by the facial nerve

4. Functions of the middle ear
Effective sound transmission to inner ear
Shields the round window from direct air pressure variations
Protective function: Acoustic reflex

5. Possible methods of sound transmission into inner ear
Bone conduction: Through bones of the skull
Air in the middle ear cavity
Through the ossicles: Most effective

6. Nature of middle ear cavity
Not a completely closed cavity
Necessary for efficient ossicular chain movement
Opening through the eustachian tube
Pressure equalization