Final answer:
The sound waves concentrated in the tympanic membrane are relayed through three auditory ossicles known as the malleus, incus, and stapes, which transmit the vibrations to the cochlea for hearing.
Step-by-step explanation:
After sound waves are collected and concentrated in the tympanic membrane, they are relayed as vibrations through three auditory ossicles: the malleus (hammer), the incus (anvil), and the stapes (stirrup). These are the smallest bones in the body and are unique to mammals.
The malleus is attached to the tympanic membrane and transfers the vibrations to the incus. The incus, in turn, transfers the vibrations to the stapes, which eventually transmits them to the fluid-filled cochlea of the inner ear. This process initiates the complex mechanism of hearing by causing the fluid to stimulate the hair cells which then send signals to the brain.