Malleus

Function

First and largest auditory ossicle. Its handle is embedded in the eardrum; when sound vibrates the drum, the malleus rocks and relays the motion to the incus, levering pressure up about 1.3 times.

Landmarks

• Head
• Neck
• Handle (manubrium)
• Anterior and lateral processes

Articulations (joints)

• Tympanic membrane (handle)
• Incus (incudomalleolar joint)

Clinical relevance

Malleus fixation or fracture disrupts conductive hearing; the handle is the surgeon's landmark for myringotomy and tube placement.