Where Is the Ossicular Chain Located?

The ossicles are situated in the middle ear and suspended by ligaments. They articulate with each other through synovial joints to form a chain across the length of the middle ear from the tympanic membrane (laterally) to the oval window (medially).

What is the ossicular chain?

The ossicular chain consists of three bones; the malleus, incus, and stapes joined by two synovial joints, the incudomallear and incudostapedial joints.[1] Together, they comprise the primary sound-conduction apparatus to transmit vibratory stimulus from the tympanic membrane to the oval window.

Is the ossicular chain in the middle ear?

The ossicles are tiny bones in the middle ear, that form a chain connecting the ear drum (Tympanic membrane, TM) and the inner ear. When airborne sound vibrates the TM, the ossicles perform an "impedance match" allowing sound energy to be transferred into the fluid filled inner ear, rather than just bouncing off.