- Utriculus
- Malpighian cells
- Malleus
- Cochlea
The correct answer is option C: Malleus.
The malleus is the largest and most exterior of the three ossicles found in the middle ear. These three ossicles, namely the malleus, stapes and incus, are crucial to the functionality of the ear as they transmit sound waves from the eardrum to the inner ear. The malleus is the first ossicle and it is directly connected to the tympanic membrane, moving in conjunction with it.
When sound waves strike the eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane, the malleus is the first to receive these vibrations. It then transfers these vibrations to the incus. The stapes, the third ossicle, is connected to the oval window, a membrane-covered opening that leads from the middle ear to the inner ear.
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