Final answer:
The ossicles, comprising the malleus, incus, and stapes, are the parts of the middle ear that amplify sound from the tympanic membrane to the oval window, leading to the stimulation of the cochlea.
Step-by-step explanation:
The parts of the middle ear responsible for amplifying sound from the tympanic membrane onto the oval window are called the ossicles. These three tiny bones, named the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup), are crucial in the hearing process. They work together to take the vibrations from the tympanic membrane and amplify them onto the oval window, which then creates pressure waves in the cochlea's fluid. This is essential for transforming sound waves into mechanical vibrations that can be interpreted by the brain.
The lever system of the middle ear, featuring the ossicles, increases the pressure from the vibrations about 40 times before they reach the cochlea. This amplification is vital for the sensitivity of our hearing, enabling us to detect a wide range of sound intensities.