Modeling of Human Middle Ear using Finite-Element Method. 2nd Report. Introduction of the Functions of Muscles, Ligaments and Joint of Ossicles.

In the previous paper, a three-dimensional finite-element method (FEM) model of a human middle ear was established. However, since the ossicles, which consist of the malleus, incus and stapes, were assumed to be one element, and the rotation axis of the ossicular chain was assumed to be a fixed straight line, it was impossible to reconstruct complicated vibration modes of the ossicular chain. Therefore, in this study, by taking account of the functions of muscles and ligaments of the ossicles and of the incudo-stapedial joint, an improved FEM model of the human middle ear was produced. Vibration patterns of the ossicles calculated from this FEM analysis were in good agreement with the experimental results using a video measuring system and stroboscope.