Anatomy of the Skull

Flashcards covering vocabulary and definitions related to the anatomy of the skull.

Lambdoid suture

Suture joining the parietal bones to the occipital bone.

Sutural (wormian) bones

Small, extra bones that may form along the lambdoid suture.

External occipital protuberance

A prominence on the posterior surface of the occipital bone for muscle attachment.

Ligamentum nuchae

Elastic ligament that extends down the neck and helps keep the head erect.

Nuchal lines

Small ridges extending laterally from the external occipital protuberance for neck muscle attachment.

Temporal

Relating to time; the bone named so since temples are where hair turns white first.

Squamous suture

Suture that joins the parietal and temporal bones.

External auditory canal

Transmits sound waves toward the eardrum.

Mastoid process

Inferior projection of the temporal bone, filled with air cells and attachment for neck muscles.

Superior and inferior temporal lines

Attachment points of the temporalis muscle (for mastication).

Zygomatic bone

Cheekbone.

Zygomatic arch

Bridge across the side of the face, consisting of processes from the temporal and zygomatic bones.

Ramus

Superior portion of the mandible.

Temporal lines

Attachment site for the temporalis muscle (closes the jaw).

Crista galli

Process that connects to the dura mater (connective tissue covering of the brain).

Petrous portion of temporal bone

Thick, interior part of the temporal bone that contains the middle and inner ears and auditory ossicles.

Sella turcica

Bony structure resembling a saddle; location of the pituitary gland.

Maxilla

The upper jawbone.

Mandible

The lower jawbone.

Glabella

The prominence of the forehead.