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Updated: May 6, 2026
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The Microscopic Transcanal Approach in Stapes Surgery Revisited
Published on: February 16, 2022
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The discovery of stapes
F Dispenza1, F Cappello, G Kulamarva
1U.O.C. Otorinolaringoiatria, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale 1 Agrigento, Ospedale "San Giovanni di Dio", Agrigento, Italy;
Summary
Giovanni Filippo Ingrassia, a 16th-century physician, significantly advanced otorhinolaryngology. His key contributions include the discovery of the stapes bone and insights into its auditory function.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- History of Medicine
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Giovanni Filippo Ingrassia was a prominent 16th-century Italian physician.
- He critically reviewed and expanded upon the anatomical reports of Galen.
Discussion:
- Ingrassia's anatomical studies focused significantly on the skull.
- He made crucial contributions to the field of otorhinolaryngology, detailing various cranial structures.
Key Insights:
- Ingrassia described the frontal sinus, pterygopalatine fossa, and skull foramina.
- He isolated the inferior nasal concha from the maxillary bone.
- He was the first to attribute a sensory function to the middle ear ossicles, termed the 'fifth particular function', and described the stapes, the third bone in the ossicular chain.
Outlook:
- Ingrassia's work on the stapes and its role in hearing warrants reconsideration.
- His contributions merit recognition alongside other historical figures in otology, such as Eustachio and Valsalva.
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