The smallest of the three auditory ossicles; its base, or footpiece, fits into the vestibular (oval) window, while its head is articulated with the lenticular process of the long limb of the incus. SYN: stirrup. [Mod. L. stirrup]
* * *
sta·pes 'stā-(.)pēz n, pl stapes or sta·pe·des stə-'pē-.dēz the innermost of the chain of three ossicles in the middle ear of a mammal having the form of a stirrup, a base occupying the oval window of the tympanum, and a head connected with the incus called also stirrup
* * *
n.
a stirrup-shaped bone in the middle ear that articulates with the incus and is attached to the membrane of the fenestra ovalis. See ossicle.
* * *
sta·pes (staґpēz) gen. stapeґdis [L. “stirrupâ€] [TA] the innermost of the auditory ossicles, shaped somewhat like the stirrup used in horse riding; it articulates by its head with the incus, and its base is inserted into the oval window (fenestra vestibuli). Called also stirrup. See illustration at ossicula auditus, under ossiculum. stapedial adjMedical dictionary. 2011.