Osteology of the Skull

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the osteology of the skull, including bones, features, and foramina.

Frontal Bone

A bone of the neurocranium that forms the forehead and contains frontal sinuses.

Parietal Bone

Two bones that make up the sides and roof of the cranial cavity.

Temporal Bone

Two bones located at the lower sides of the skull, including features such as the mandibular fossa and styloid & mastoid processes.

Occipital Bone

The bone that forms the back and base of the skull, featuring the foramen magnum and occipital condyles.

Ethmoid Bone

A bone located between the orbits; features the crista galli and cribriform plate.

Sphenoid Bone

A butterfly-shaped bone that houses the sella turcica for the pituitary gland.

Zygomatic Bone

Two bones known as the cheekbones.

Maxilla

The upper jaw bone that contains the maxillary sinuses.

Palatine Bone

Two bones that form the back of the hard palate.

Lacrimal Bone

Two small bones located near the tear ducts.

Nasal Bone

Two bones that form the bridge of the nose.

Vomer

A single bone that forms part of the nasal septum.

Inferior Nasal Concha

Two bones that are part of the nasal cavity.

Mandible

The lower jaw bone.

Suture

A fibrous joint that connects the bones of the skull.

Foramen Magnum

The opening in the occipital bone for the medulla and vertebral arteries.

Optic Canal

Foramen that transmits the optic nerve (CN II).

Superior Orbital Fissure

Foramen that transmits CN III, IV, V1, VI.

Foramen Ovale

Foramen that transmits the mandibular branch of CN V.

Jugular Foramen

Foramen that transmits CN IX, X, XI and the jugular vein.

Hypoglossal Canal

Canal that transmits CN XII.

Mental Foramen

Foramen that transmits the mental nerve.

Paranasal Sinuses

Air-filled spaces in four bones (frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid, maxillary) that lighten the skull and affect voice resonance.