stapes
noun/ˈsteɪ̯piːz/ · [ˈsteɪ̯pʰɪi̯z]
Etymology Borrowed from Medieval Latin stapēs (“stirrup”). Doublet of step.
1
Anatomy, Biology, Medicine, Natural sciences, Sciences, Zoology, Zootomy A small stirrup-shaped innermost ossicle of the middle ear of mammals, transmitting vibrations from the incus to the inner ear.
- The tympanic cavity is spanned by the three smallest bones in the body: the auditory ossicles[…] These bones, named for their shape, are the malleus (malʹe-us; "hammer"); the incus (ingʹkus; "anvil"); and the stapes (staʹpēz; "stirrup"). The "handle" of the malleus is secured to the eardrum, and the base of the stapes fits into the oval window.2010, Elaine Nicpon Marieb, Katja Hoehn, Human Anatomy & Physiology, 8th edition, page 576:
- Derived terms
- extrastapes, stapedectomy