Anatomy of the Human Skull

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the major cranial and facial anatomical structures visible in a lateral view of the human skull.

Human Skull (Lateral View)

A side-profile anatomical view highlighting key cranial and facial features including the frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, zygomatic, maxilla, and mandible bones, along with the mastoid process, external auditory meatus, and nuchal line.

Frontal bone

The cranial bone that forms the anterior region of the skull, including the forehead and top of the eye sockets.

Parietal bone

The cranial bone that forms the central superior and lateral sides of the skull roof.

Temporal bone

The cranial bone located on the lateral side of the skull, inferior to the parietal bone and housing the external auditory meatus and mastoid process.

Occipital bone

The cranial bone located at the posterior and inferior base of the skull.

Zygomatic bone

The facial bone that forms the cheek prominence and the lateral wall of the orbit.

Maxilla

The facial bone forming the upper jaw, holding the upper teeth and forming the lower anterior skull region beneath the orbit.

Mandible

The facial bone forming the lower jaw and holding the lower row of teeth.

Mastoid process

A conical bony prominence located on the temporal bone, situated behind the external auditory meatus.

External auditory meatus

The ear canal opening located on the temporal bone.

Nuchal line

A ridge located on the posterior surface of the occipital bone.