The stapes is the third of three tiny bones in the middle ear and the one closest to the inner ear. Because of its shape, it's sometimes called the stirrup.

Where are stapes bones found?

At 3 mm x 2.5 mm, the "stapes" in the middle ear is the smallest named bone in the human body. The shape of a stirrup, this bone is one of three in the middle ear, collectively known as the ossicles.

Is stapes and stirrup same?

mammals. The innermost bone is the stapes, or “stirrup bone.” It rests against the oval window of the inner ear. The stapes is homologous with the entire stapedial structure of reptiles, which in turn was derived from the hyomandibular arch of primitive vertebrates.