The malleus is the largest of the three ossicles (which include the incus and the stapes). It is just under a centimere long and is comprised of the following components:

• Handle of malleus (manubrium) – attaches to tympanic membrane
• Neck
• Head – rounded part, lies in epitympanic recess superiorly, articulates with the incus via its posterior surface.
• Articular facet for incus - consists of a larger upper portion and a smaller lower portion
• Anterior process – spindle shaped projection which attaches to the anterior wall of the middle ear
• Lateral process – conical projection which attaches to anterior/posterior malleolar folds of tympanic membrane