Anatomy & Physiology Temporal Bones

Temporal Bones

paired bones forming the lateral walls of the cranium and part of the middle cranial fossa

Squamous Region

This flat region is the temporal bone’s most lateral portion

zygomatic process

a projection on the squamous region

Zygomatic Arch

cheekbone

mandibular fossa

indentation inferior to the zygomatic process which forms the temporomandibular joint

temporomandibular joint

the jaw joint

tympanic region

inferior region around the ear

external acoustic meatus

an opening for an ear canal called the external auditory canal

external auditory canal

a passageway that leads to the middle & inner ear

Styloid Process

a needle-like projection which is an attachment point for one of the neck muscles

Mastoid Region

Located posterior to the tympanic region, it contains the large round structure

Mastoid Process

A large round suture that contains mastoid sinuses

Mastoid Sinuses

tiny sinuses connecting to the nose

Mastoid Notch

A groove medial to the mastoid process and is an insertion point for one of the neck muscles

Stylomastoid foramen

a hole in the mastoid notch which is an exit point for one of the cranial nerves

Petrous Region

the internal part of the temporal region

foramen lacerum

formed by the junction of the temporal, occipital, & sphenoid bones; medial & anterior gash-like

Carotid Canal

a passageway for an artery you can sometimes hear pulsing

Jugular Foramen

a passageway for a vein & an exit point for cranial nerves; posterior irregularly-shaped & large

internal acoustic meatus

an exit point for cranial nerves