56
the bone is the thin lateral plate that contributes to the lateral wall of the cranium. It projects anteriorly
as the zygomatic process and forms the mandibular fossa for the temporomandibular joint. The styloid
part is represented by the styloid process. This projection of bone arises from the upper elements of the
second pharyngeal arch. The petrous part forms the thick pyramidal base of the bone. It begins poste-
rior to the external acoustic meatus as the mastoid process and ends where it forms a junction with the
basi-occipital and greater wing of the sphenoid. The name petrous describes its rock-like appearance.
This is the thickest part of the temporal bone. It arises from the otic capsules that stabilize the delicate
internal ear structures. The mastoid is the posterolateral protuberance of the petrous portion that is easily
palpable just posterior to the ear. The tympanic part of the temporal bone is the ring-like plate that forms
the walls of the external acoustic meatus. Each temporal bone articulates with fi ve bones.
The temporal bone is a com-
plex bone with fi ve distinct
parts. The squamous part of
Cranial Bones – Temporal
Left temporal bone
Medial view, anterior to right
Left temporal bone
Lateral view, anterior to left
1 Petrous part
2 Mastoid process
3 Mastoid notch
4 Groove for sigmoid sinus
5 Carotid canal
6 Apex of petrous part
7 Musculotubal canal
8 Tegmen tympani
9 Hiatus for greater petrosal nerve
10 Hiatus for lesser petrosal nerve
11 Tr igeminal impression
12 Internal acoustic meatus
13 Mastoid canaliculus
14 Tympanic canaliculus
15 Styloid process (broken)
16 Stylomastoid foramen
17 Jugular notch
18 Tympanic ring
19 External acoustic meatus
20 Greater tympanic spine
21 Lesser tympanic spine
22 Squamous part
23 Zygomatic process
24 Mandibular fossa
25 Articular tubercle
26 Petrotympanic fissure
27 Tympanomastoid fissure
1
2
4
5
12
22
23
2
18
22
23
24
25
27
1919
20
21
5
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