Temporal, Frontal, and Parietal Bones and Auditory Ossicles

Vocabulary flashcards covering the cranial landmarks and anatomical features of the Temporal, Frontal, and Parietal bones as well as the Auditory Ossicles.

Auditory Ossicles

The small bones of the middle ear, consisting of the malleus, incus, and stapes.

Malleus

The outermost auditory ossicle in the middle ear that articulates with the incus.

Incus

The middle auditory ossicle in the middle ear located between the malleus and stapes.

Stapes

The innermost auditory ossicle in the middle ear that articulates with the incus.

Temporal Bone (Ectocranial View)

An anatomical view of the lateral/ectocranial aspect of the temporal bone displaying features such as the squama, processes, and external meatus.

Temporal Bone (Endocranial View)

An anatomical view of the internal/endocranial aspect of the temporal bone showing structures like the petrous pyramid and internal auditory meatus.

Temporal squama

The flat, plate-like superior region of the temporal bone.

Zygomatic process

A bony projection extending from the temporal bone (and frontal bone) toward the cheek region.

Mandibular fossa

A socket or depression on the temporal bone that receives the condyle of the mandible.

TMJ

Temporomandibular joint, formed by the articulation of the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone with the mandible.

EAM

External auditory meatus, the bony canal opening of the ear located on the temporal bone.

Internal auditory meatus

A passage on the endocranial surface of the petrous region of the temporal bone.

Tympanic ring

A ring-like bony structure associated with the ear canal on the temporal bone.

Mastoid process

A prominent bony projection located inferoposteriorly on the temporal bone.

Digastric groove

A furrow located medial to the mastoid process on the temporal bone.

Styloid process

A slender, pointed bony projection extending downward from the temporal bone.

Petrous pyramid

A massive, wedge-shaped endocranial portion of the temporal bone.

Carotid canal

A passageway through the petrous part of the temporal bone for the internal carotid artery.

Squamosal suture

The cranial suture located between the temporal bone and the parietal bone.

Sphenotemporal suture

The cranial suture located between the sphenoid bone and the temporal bone.

Frontal Bone (Ectocranial View)

An anatomical view of the external anterior aspect of the frontal bone showing the squama, orbits, and arches.

Frontal Bone (Endocranial View)

An anatomical view of the internal aspect of the frontal bone displaying the crest, sulcus, and orbital plates.

Coronal suture

An ectocranial suture separating the frontal bone from the parietal bones.

Metopic suture

An ectocranial midline suture found on the frontal bone when the two halves remain un-fused.

Frontal squama

The broad, vertical plate-like region forming the forehead on the frontal bone.

Superciliary arch

The prominent brow ridge located ectocranially above each eye socket on the frontal bone.

Supraorbital Notch/Foramen

A small notch or opening located on the supraorbital margin of the frontal bone.

Supraorbital margin

The upper curved border of the orbital opening on the frontal bone.

Temporal line

An ectocranial landmark ridge present on the frontal and parietal bones.

Frontal boss/eminence

A prominent rounded elevation on the ectocranial surface of the frontal bone.

Orbital plates/pars orbitalis

Horizontal endocranial bony plates of the frontal bone that form the roof of the eye orbits.

Frontal sinuses

Internal air cavities located within the frontal bone behind the superciliary arches.

Frontal crest

A median endocranial ridge on the internal surface of the frontal bone.

Foramen cecum

A small endocranial opening situated at the inferior base of the frontal crest on the frontal bone.

Meningeal grooves

Endocranial channels on the internal surfaces of the frontal and parietal bones for blood vessels.

Sagittal sulcus

An endocranial midline groove traversing the interior of the frontal and parietal bones.

Arachnoid foveae

Small endocranial depressions along the sagittal sulcus on the frontal and parietal bones.

Parietal Bone (Ectocranial View)

An anatomical view of the external convex aspect of the parietal bone.

Parietal Bone (Endocranial View)

An anatomical view of the internal concave surface of the parietal bone displaying meningeal grooves.

Parietal bosses

Smooth, rounded eminences located on the outer ectocranial surface of the parietal bones.

Parietal foramen

A small opening near the sagittal suture on the ectocranial surface of the parietal bone.

Sagittal suture

The ectocranial midline suture located between the paired parietal bones.

Lambdoidal suture

The ectocranial suture separating the parietal bones from the occipital bone.

Lambda

The ectocranial junction where the sagittal suture meets the lambdoidal suture.

Sphenoidal angle

The anteroinferior angle of the parietal bone that articulates near the sphenoid bone.