<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> The stapes or stirrup is a bone in the middle ear of humans and other mammals which is involved in the conduction of sound vibrations to the inner ear . The stirrup - shaped small bone is on and transmits these to the oval window, medially . The stapes is the smallest and lightest named bone in the human body, and is so - called because of its resemblance to a stirrup (Latin: Stapes). </P> <P> The stapes is the third bone of the three ossicles in the middle ear . The stapes is a stirrup - shaped bone, and the smallest in the human body . It rests on the oval window, to which it is connected by an annular ligament . The stapes is described as having a base, resting on the oval window, as well as a head that articulates with the incus . These are connected by anterior and posterior limbs (Latin: crura). The stapes articulates with the incus through the incudostapedial joint . The stapes is the smallest bone in the human body, and measures roughly 3 x 2.5 mm, greater along the head - base span . </P>

Where can the smallest bone in the human body be found