The malleus (Latin a hammer) attaches to the tympanic membrane. The rounded superior head of the malleus lies in the epitympanic recess. The neck of the malleus lies against the flaccid part of the tympanic membrane, and the handle of the malleus is embedded in the tympanic membrane, with its tip at the umbo; thus the malleus moves with the membrane. The head of the malleus articulates with the incus; the tendon of the tensor tympani inserts into its handle near the neck. The chorda tympani crosses the medial surface of the neck of the malleus. The malleus functions as a lever, with the longer of its two processes and its handle attached to the tympanic membrane.