Base of stapes
Basis stapedis
- Synonym: Footplate of stapes; Foot plate of stapes
Definition
The base of stapes refers to the inferior part of the stapes. It is a thin, elliptical and slightly curved bony plate that fits into the vestibular window (formerly the oval window), separating the middle ear from the internal ear. It is held in place by the annular ligament of the stapes.
References
Dauber W. Lexique illustré d'anatomie Feneis, Médecine-Sciences Flammarion, Paris, 2007.
Drake RL, Vogl AW, Mitchell AWM. Gray's anatomie, le manuel pour les étudiants, 4th edition, Elsevier Masson, 2011.
Netter FH. Atlas d'anatomie humaine, 5th edition, Elsevier Masson, 2011.
Académie de Médecine. Dictionnaire médical - version 2026, Académie de Médecine website, accessed 9 Feb 2026.
