The anterior process of the malleus.

The anterior process of the malleus has been recognized and its unique embryological development described for some time. However, most authorities, while describing it in the fetus and the child, claim that it atrophies with age and offer no theory as to its function. This study examined the horizontal serial sections of whole temporal bones of 50 ears, from donors of various ages from a 24 week fetus to extreme old age. Measurements indicate that, while the anterior process of the malleus seems to get smaller with increasing age, its anatomical consistency would indicate a physiological function. It is proposed that the anterior malleal process, in conjunction with the anterior malleal ligament, acts as the fulcrum of the axis of rotation of the malleus/incus complex and also acts as a damper to resonant oscillations of the complex at low frequencies.