The short limb extends posteriorly and is attached by a ligament to the upper posterior wall of the middle ear.
The stapes is the most medial bone in the osseous chain and is attached to the oval window. It consists of the head of the stapes, anterior and posterior limbs, and the base of the stapes (Fig. 8.123):
The head of the stapes is directed laterally and articulates with the long process of the incus.
The two limbs separate from each other and attach to the oval base.