Skull Anatomy

Flashcards covering the bones of the skull and related features.

Nasal bone

Forms the bridge of the nose.

Frontal bone

Forms the forehead and upper part of the eye sockets.

Parietal bone

Forms the sides and roof of the cranium.

Temporal bone

Forms the sides and base of the cranium.

Sphenoid bone

A complex bone that contributes to the base of the skull, eye sockets, and nasal cavity.

Zygomatic bone

Forms the cheekbones.

Maxilla

Forms the upper jaw.

Mandible

Forms the lower jaw.

External auditory canal

The opening for the ear canal in the temporal bone.

Mastoid process

A bony projection on the temporal bone behind the ear.

Styloid process

A slender projection of bone on the inferior surface of the temporal bone.

Occipital bone

Forms the posterior part and base of the cranium.

Vomer bone

Forms part of the nasal septum.

Palatine bone

Forms the posterior part of the hard palate and contributes to the floor of the nasal cavity.

Occipital condyle

Articulate with the first vertebra (atlas).

Foramen magnum

The large opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes.