[Campbell Biology P.1162] Which sequence correctly describes the transmission of sound vibrat... | Practice Question

Which sequence correctly describes the transmission of sound vibrations through the bones of the middle ear?

  • A: Malleus → Incus → Stapes
  • B: Incus → Malleus → Stapes
  • C: Stapes → Incus → Malleus
  • D: Malleus → Stapes → Incus

Explanation

Sound vibrations are first collected by the outer ear and channeled to the tympanic membrane. The tympanic membrane's vibrations are then transmitted sequentially through the three small bones of the middle ear: the malleus hammer , followed by the incus anvil , and finally the stapes stirrup , which transmits them to the oval window of the inner ear.