The ear bone, or ossicle, is made up of three small bones: the MALLEUS, INCUS, and stapes. The MALLEUS, also known as the HAMMER, is the outermost bone and is connected to the eardrum. The INCUS, or ANVIL, is the middle bone and connects the MALLEUS to the stapes. The stapes, also known as the STIRRUP, is the innermost bone and is connected to the inner ear. Together, these three bones form the ear bone, which helps to transmit sound from the outer ear to the inner ear.