Inferior to the head of the malleus is the constricted neck of the malleus, and below this are the anterior and lateral processes:
The anterior process is attached to the anterior wall of the middle ear by a ligament.
The lateral process is attached to the anterior and posterior malleolar folds of the tympanic membrane.
The downward extension of the malleus, below the anterior and lateral processes, is the handle of the malleus, which is attached to the tympanic membrane.