<P> The ossicles ( also called auditory ossicles ) are three bones in either middle ear that are among the smallest bones in the human body . They 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 `` ossicle '' literally means `` tiny bone '' . Though the term may refer to any small bone throughout the body , it typically refers to the malleus , incus , and stapes ( hammer , anvil , and stirrup ) of the middle ear . </P>
<P> The ossicles ( also called auditory ossicles ) are three bones in either middle ear that are among the smallest bones in the human body . They 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 `` ossicle '' literally means `` tiny bone '' . Though the term may refer to any small bone throughout the body , it typically refers to the malleus , incus , and stapes ( hammer , anvil , and stirrup ) of the middle ear . </P>
where is the ossicles located in the ear
where is the ossicles located in the ear
either middle ear
either middle ear