Which is the Smallest Bone in the Human Body?
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 9th, 2023
The smallest bone in the human body is the Stapes or Stirrup bone in the middle ear. It looks like a bell. Stapes are also known as the “stirrup bone”. It is found in the middle ear, and its size is 3mm×2.5mm. The middle ear consists of three bones, i.e. Malleus, stapes, and Incus. It is the innermost bone of the middle ear’s auditory ossicles, which transport sound waves from the surroundings to the fluid-filled labyrinth (cochlea).
Smallest Bone in Human Body
The Stapes in the middle ear are the smallest bones in the human body. The sound waves pass through the tympanic membrane (eardrum), the auditory canal, and the middle ear compartment before being detected by the brain. Once there, the malleus, incus, and stapes, three bones collectively known as the ossicles, are vibrated by the sound waves.
- Sound waves must pass through the tympanic membrane (eardrum), enter the middle ear compartment, and exit the auditory canal before being detected by the brain.
- As soon as they arrive, the sound waves cause the malleus, incus, and stapes, three bones collectively known as the ossicles, to vibrate.
- Stapes are less than 3 millimeters long and shaped like a stirrup.
- The Latin term for stirrup is translated as “stapes” in English.
- Two more bones, the malleus, and incus operate with the stapes in humans.
- Similar to the stapes, the names of these bones are based on their forms.
- Malleus and incus are the respective Latin words for hammer and anvil.
Summary:
Which is the Smallest Bone in the Human Body?
The Stapes is the smallest bone in the human body with a size of 3mm×2.5mm. It is bell-shaped and is connected to the oval window through an annular ligament. It helps in hearing. If the stapes are destroyed, it can result in partial or complete hearing loss.
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