The middle ear bone is composed of three ossicles, which are the malleus (7 letters), INCUS (5 letters) and stapes (6 letters). The malleus is also known as the hammer, and is shaped like an ANVIL (5 letters). It is connected to the INCUS, which is shaped like a stirrup, and then to the stapes, which is shaped like a small lever. Together, these three bones form a chain that transmits sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.