ossicles

pl. n. any small bones, but particularly the auditory ossicles: the chain of three tiny bones in the middle ear that transmit sound vibrations from the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to the oval window of the inner ear. They are the malleus (or hammer), which is attached to the tympanic membrane; the incus (or anvil); and the stapes (or stirrup), whose footplate nearly fills the oval window. The ossicles allow efficient transmission of sound from air to the fluid-filled cochlea.

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Psychology term of the day

November 18th 2024

methocarbamol

n. a member of a group of centrally acting muscle relaxants used as an adjunctive agent in the management of musculoskeletal pain. Because methocarbamol does not directly reduce skeletal muscle tension, its therapeutic action is thought to be due to its sedative or CNS depressant properties. It is available in tablet and injectable forms. U.S. trade name: Robaxin.