Final answer:
The auditory ossicles, consisting of the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup), are the smallest bones in the human body and transmit vibrations from the eardrum to the cochlea, initiating the hearing process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tiny bones that vibrate along with the eardrum and transmit vibrations to the cochlea are called the auditory ossicles. These consist of three bones known as the malleus (or hammer), incus (or anvil), and stapes (or stirrup). They are the smallest bones in the human body and are exclusive to mammals. The process of sound transmission begins when sound waves travel along the auditory canal, striking the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and causing it to vibrate. The vibrations are then passed to the malleus, which is attached to the eardrum.
The malleus moves the incus, which in turn moves the stapes. The stapes connects to the cochlea through the oval window. The motion of the stapes against the oval window causes fluid inside the cochlea to move, stimulating the auditory receptor cells, or hair cells, which then transform the vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to the brain, allowing us to perceive sound.