Stapes or stirrup, situated in the middle ear, is responsible for the conduction of sound vibrations to the inner ear. Measuring about 3 x 2.5 mm, it is the smallest bone in the human body. It is the third bone of the three ossicles of the middle ear - the other two being malleus and incus. The ear ossicles transfer the sound vibrations from the outer to the inner ear which further sends them to the brain via the auditory nerve after converting them into electrical impulses. When sound vibrations reach the stapes, it pushes the oval window membrane, building pressure waves in the cochlea. Damage caused to the stapes can lead to hearing loss.
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