What are the names of the three bones of the middle ear?

The three bones of the middle ear are known as the incus, stapes, and malleus. Collectively, these tiny bones are often referred to as the ossicles, and they play a crucial role in the auditory system. The malleus, commonly called the hammer, is attached to the eardrum and transmits sound vibrations to the incus, known as the anvil. The incus then transfers these vibrations to the stapes, which is shaped like a stirrup and connects to the inner ear. This chain of bones amplifies sound waves and facilitates hearing by transmitting them from the air-filled middle ear to the fluid-filled inner ear.

The other choices list bones from different parts of the skeleton: the first option includes wrist bones known as carpals, the third mentions more carpals, and the fourth lists tarsal bones of the ankle and foot. These sets of bones are not associated with the function of hearing in the same manner as the ossicles.