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The stapes is the smallest of the ossicles. It has a base (foot piece / footplate) which seals the oval window and conducts vibrations to the cochlea. The base is attached to the neck via an anterior and posterior arch (also called anterior and posterior crura). On top of the neck is a concave head which articulates with the lentiform nodule (lenticular process) of the incus.

The stapes has a number of attachments :

  • incostapedial (incudostapedial) joint (a synovial joint)
  • annular ligament around the oval window
  • stapedeus (muscle attaches to the back of the neck)
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