The malleus is the most anterior ossicle. Its head articulates with the incus body at the incudostapedial joint. Inferiorly it has a neck with a small anterior process which attaches to a supporting anterior ligament – sometimes seen on thin section CT. The handle and lateral process of the malleus are embedded in the tympanic membrane from which the malleus receives transmitted sound energy. The malleus has a better blood supply than the incus and is therefore less prone to erosion.