International Licensing Examination (ILE) Practice Test

What is the role of the malleus in the middle ear?

1. To transmit sound to the cochlea

2. To protect the tympanic membrane

3. To amplify sound vibrations

4. To assist with balance

The correct answer is: To amplify sound vibrations

The malleus plays a crucial role in the process of sound transmission within the middle ear. It is one of the three ossicles, along with the incus and stapes, that form a chain linking the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to the oval window of the cochlea. When sound waves hit the tympanic membrane, it vibrates; these vibrations are then conveyed to the malleus, which acts as the first lever in the ossicular chain. The malleus amplifies these vibrations, allowing the sound energy to be effectively transferred to the incus and then to the stapes, ultimately leading to the stimulation of the fluid in the cochlea. The role of amplification is essential because it enhances the sound waves before they reach the cochlea, where they are converted to electrical signals that the brain interprets as sound. This amplification is necessary to ensure that even softer sounds can be detected by the inner ear. In contrast, other options refer to different functions: transmitting sound to the cochlea involves the coordinated action of all ossicles rather than just the malleus alone. While the malleus does protect the tympanic membrane in a general sense by being part of the structure of the ear, its primary function