Hammering Out the Answer: A Clue About the Middle Ear
Hey crossword puzzle fans! Today’s clue has us delving into the human body, specifically the realm of hearing. It’s a tricky one, but with a little anatomical knowledge, we’ll crack this clue wide open.
The clue itself is pretty straightforward: “Where the malleus and incus bones are found.” Now, if you’re a seasoned crossword solver, you might be thinking, “This sounds familiar!” But even if you’re a newbie, don’t fret. We’ll break down the clue piece by piece to find the answer.
First, let’s tackle those unfamiliar terms. “Malleus” and “incus” are the scientific names for the hammer and anvil, respectively. These are two of the three tiny bones found in the middle ear, the other being the stapes (or stirrup).
So, the clue is essentially asking us for the location of these three bones – the malleus, incus, and stapes. Where are they situated in the human body?
Think about how sound travels through the ear. It enters the outer ear, then passes through the ear canal and reaches the eardrum. The vibrations of the eardrum are then transmitted to the middle ear, where these three tiny bones come into play.
Now, consider the function of the middle ear. Its main purpose is to amplify sound waves before they travel to the inner ear. The malleus, incus, and stapes act as a chain, transferring sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.
With this knowledge in mind, you’re almost there! Remember, the clue specifically asks for the location where the malleus and incus are found. Think about the specific part of the ear where these two tiny bones reside.
Good luck, solvers! I’m sure with this insight, you’ll have no trouble hammering out the correct answer.
Available Answers:
EAR.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 6 Sep 24, Friday