BoneIrregular bone

Stapes

Latin: Stapes sinistrum

Location: Left middle ear

Paired structure: one on the left and one on the right side of the body.

View the stapes in 3D

Function

The smallest bone in the human body (about 3 mm). Its footplate pistons against the oval window, converting air vibrations into fluid waves in the cochlea — the final pressure step of conductive hearing.

Landmarks

  • Head
  • Two crura
  • Footplate
  • Neck

Articulations (joints)

  • Incus (incudostapedial joint)
  • Oval window (fenestra vestibuli) via the annular ligament

Clinical relevance

Otosclerosis fixes the stapes footplate, causing progressive conductive hearing loss; stapedectomy with a piston prosthesis restores hearing in most patients.

Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.