Eardrum. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of an eardrum (pink). The eardrum, or tympanic membrane, is located in the middle ear. It joins the inner ear through three tiny bones called the ossicles (malleus, incus and stapes). The malleus ( bottom centre) is attached to the inner eardrum. It articulates with the incus (below), which, in turn, links to the stapes (not seen). The middle ear transforms sound into vibrations in the fluid of the inner ear, which are then sent as nerve signals to the brain. Magnification: x16 when printed 10 centimetres wide.