The petrotympanic fissure leads into the middle ear or tympanic cavity; it lodges the anterior process of the malleus, and transmits the tympanic branch of the internal maxillary artery.
It lodges the anterior process and anterior ligament of the malleus, and gives passage to the anterior tympanic branch of the internal maxillary artery.
The malleus has a long process (the manubrium, or handle) that is attached to the mobile portion of the eardrum.
The malleus is connected to the tympanic membrane, and transmits vibrations of the membrane produced by sound waves.
The geniculate ganglion lies approximately 23 mm anterior and medial to the head of the malleus.
The eardrum is actually attached to the malleus handle over about a 0.5 cm distance.
The head connects to the "neck of malleus", and the bone continues as the "handle of malleus", which connects to the tympanic membrane.
The manubrium (handle) of the malleus articulates with the tympanic membrane, while the footplate of the stapes articulates with the oval window.
