What is "stapes"?

The stapes, a tiny bone in the human ear, plays a crucial role in the process of hearing. Shaped like a stirrup, it connects the incus (anvil) to the oval window of the inner ear. As sound waves enter the ear, the stapes vibrates, transmitting these vibrations from the middle ear to the fluid-filled cochlea. This mechanical movement of the stapes allows for the conversion of sound energy into electrical signals, facilitating the auditory perception in humans.