Parts of the middle ear

Malleus

The malleus (also called the "Hammer") is a tiny bone that connects the Ear Drum to the Incus.

Its purpose is to tranfer the viberations of the Ear Drum to the Incus.

Incus

The Incus (also called the "Anvil") is a tiny bone that serves as a "bridge" from the Mallues to the Stapes.

Its purpose is to transfer the viberations of the Mallues to the Stapes.

Stapes

The Stapes (also caled the "Stirrup") is the tiniest named bone in the whole human body. It connects the Incus to the Oval Window which is in the Inner Ear.

Its purpose is to finish the transportation of sound waves through the middle ear, by send them to the Oval Window.

Tympanic Cavity

The Tympanic Cavity is a large space in the Middle Ear containg the Mallues, Incus, and the Stapes.

The opening of the Eustachian Tube is at the bottom of the Cavity.

Eustachian Tube

The Eustachian tube is a long tube that connects the Tympanic Cavity to the back of the mouth and the External Auditory Canal.

Its purpose is to serve as an air pressure equalizer. It make the air pressure equal on both sides of the ear which not only helps hear better, but also help you keep your balance.

Note: Chewing or swallowing while changing elevation helps keep the pressure in balance. This is called "poping" your ears.