Final answer:
The auditory ossicles, including the malleus, incus, and stapes, are the small bones located in the middle ear responsible for transmitting sound to the cochlea of the inner ear.
Step-by-step explanation:
The auditory ossicles are located in the middle ear. These three small bones, known specifically as the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup), play a crucial role in hearing. They work together to transfer sound vibrations from the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to the cochlea, which is a part of the inner ear. The auditory ossicles are essential in the efficient transmission of sound for proper hearing functions. Other structures such as the auricle and external acoustic meatus are part of the outer ear, and the cochlea is part of the inner ear, thus the only option that is located in the middle ear mentioned in the student's question is the auditory ossicles.
The auditory ossicles are located in the middle ear. They consist of three small bones called the malleus, incus, and stapes. These ossicles transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear, specifically the cochlea.