Stapedius
Stapedius (pronounced: stuh-PEE-dee-uhs) is a tiny muscle located in the middle ear. It is the smallest skeletal muscle in the human body, measuring just over one millimeter in length. The primary function of the stapedius is to stabilize the stapes, one of the three ossicles in the ear, and protect the inner ear from damage due to loud noises.
Etymology
The term "stapedius" is derived from the Latin word "stapes," which means stirrup. This is in reference to the shape of the stapes bone, which the stapedius muscle attaches to.
Function
The stapedius muscle contracts in response to high-intensity sound stimuli, a reflex action known as the acoustic reflex. This contraction pulls the stapes bone away from the oval window, reducing the amount of sound energy that is transferred to the inner ear. This action helps to protect the delicate structures of the inner ear from potential damage caused by loud noises.
Related Terms
- Stapes: One of the three ossicles in the ear, to which the stapedius muscle attaches.
- Acoustic reflex: A reflex action of the stapedius muscle in response to high-intensity sound stimuli.
- Oval window: A membrane-covered opening that leads from the middle ear to the vestibule of the inner ear.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Stapedius
- Wikipedia's article - Stapedius
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