Muscle that is attached to the malleus is

Options

A. 1)Orbicularis oris
B. 2)Masseter
C. 3)Stapedius
D. 4)Tensor tympani

Answer

To answer the question regarding which muscle is attached to the malleus, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Anatomy of the Middle Ear**:
- The middle ear contains three small bones known as ossicles: the malleus, incus, and stapes. The malleus is the outermost bone, shaped like a hammer.

2. **Identify the Function of the Ossicles**:
- The ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes) work together to amplify sound waves that travel from the outer ear to the inner ear.

3. **Know the Muscles Associated with the Ossicles**:
- There are two primary muscles associated with the ossicles: the tensor tympani and the stapedius.
- The tensor tympani muscle is attached to the malleus, while the stapedius muscle is attached to the stapes.

4. **Evaluate the Options Given**:
- Option 1: Orbicularis oris - a muscle around the mouth, not related to the ear.
- Option 2: Masseter - a muscle involved in chewing, not related to the ear.
- Option 3: Stapedius - attached to the stapes, not the malleus.
- Option 4: Tensor tympani - the correct muscle attached to the malleus.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the anatomy and the functions of the muscles, the muscle that is attached to the malleus is the **tensor tympani**.

### Final Answer:
The muscle that is attached to the malleus is the **tensor tympani**.

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