XXVIII.] THE EAR. 297 



6. Proceeding from the head of the malleus nearly 

 at right angles to the axis band, inwards and 

 downwards is a bony process to which is attached, 

 by a very short tendon, the tensor tympani 

 muscle. Press this towards its origin with a 

 seeker and note that it tightens the membrane. 

 Press lightly on the end of the handle of the 

 malleus, it has but a small excursion. 



7. With a fine pair of scissors cut through the 

 attachment of the membrana tympani, except 

 at the handle of the malleus, and with a small 

 pair of bone forceps remove the upper part of 

 the bony ring to which it was attached. The 

 malleus will remain in position. The incus and 

 stapes may be indistinctly seen deep down on the 

 outer side. 



In order to make out well the relation of these 

 great care is required. Take a fine saw and 

 proceeding from behind in a plane passing just 

 outside the incus, saw away the external piece of 

 bone. 

 Observe then 



a. The rather long slender neck, and knobbed 

 head of the malleus. 



b. The incus with two processes, one passing 

 almost horizontally backward and by a liga- 

 ment attached to the bony tympanic wall, 

 the other proceeding upwards, and attached 

 to the head of the stapes. When the bones 

 are removed later, the saddle-shaped surface 



