Abstract:

Objective　To investigate spatial structure of ossicles in tympanum, and provide anatomic data for spatial localization and digital reconstruction of auditory ossicular chain.　Methods　20 (40 sides) adult male skull specimens fixed by formalin were dissected. The angles between long axis of the handle of malleus, the head and neck of malleus, the long crus of incus, the stapes and the horizontal, sagittal planes were measured respectively, as well the angles between the handle of malleus and the long axis of head and neck of malleus, malleoincudal joint, and the angle between incus and stapes.　Results　The angles between the long axis of handle of malleus and horizontal plane, the sagittal plane were （44.89±11.66）°,（41.92±11.68）° respectively; that between long axis of head and neck of malleus and horizontal plane, sagittal plane were（41.94±11.14）°,（39.48±10.11）°respectively; that between long crus of incus and  horizontal plane, sagittal plane were（43.50±11.27）°,（35.84±12.39）°respectively; that between long axis of stapes and horizontal plane, sagittal plane were（25.93±10.39）°,（58.19±8.19）°respectively; that between the handle of malleus and long axis of head and neck of malleus was (140.93±10.43 )°, that between malleoincudal joint was (96.19±13.82)°, and that between incus and stapes was (104.27±9.22)°.　Conclusions　Auditory ossicular chain in tympanic cavity arranges as italic "N" .

Key words: Ossicles, Spacial structure, Morphology