Definition for Ossicle
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Revision as of 02:09, 23 March 2013 by Robertling (Talk | contribs) (Created page with "The ossicles (also called auditory ossicles) are the three smallest bones in the human body, the malleus, the incus and the stapes. They are contained within the middle ear space...")
The ossicles (also called auditory ossicles) are the three smallest bones in the human body, the malleus, the incus and the stapes. They are contained within the middle ear space and serve to transmit sounds from the air to the fluid-filled labyrinth (cochlea). The absence of the auditory ossicles would constitute a moderate-to-severe hearing loss. The term "ossicles" literally means "tiny bones" and commonly refers to the auditory ossicles, though the term may refer to any small bone throughout the body.