These are the three muscles involved in the middle ear, which are responsible for:
* Stapes: The smallest bone in the human body, it transmits vibrations from the ossicles to the inner ear.
* Tensor Tympani: A muscle that tenses the eardrum, helping to protect the inner ear from loud noises.
* Stapedius: A muscle that attaches to the stapes bone and helps to damp down vibrations, also protecting the inner ear from loud sounds.
The STS muscles play a crucial role in hearing by:
* Amplifying sound: They act as a lever system, increasing the force of sound waves entering the ear.
* Protecting the ear: They help to regulate the amount of sound reaching the inner ear, preventing damage from excessive noise.
* Maintaining balance: They contribute to the balance system by sensing changes in pressure within the ear.