Temporal Bone Video Questions

Identify the hole that marks the opening of the ear canal on the superficial surface of the skull.

External auditory meatus The external auditory meatus is the obvious hole in the temporal bone. This opening conveys sound waves to the eardrum.

Identify the region of the temporal bone that articulates with the lower jaw

Mandibular fossa The mandibular fossa is a shallow depression of the temporal bone in which the mandibular condyle of the mandible articulates, forming the temporomandibular joint

Identify the bone that articulates superiorly with the temporal bone.

Parietal bone The temporal bones make up the lateral surface of the cranium, occupying the region the ear is found in. The area above this is composed of the parietal bones, which meet at midline on the top of the skull to form the sagittal suture.

Identify the landmark on the temporal bone that is a pointy spine

Styloid process The styloid process is a pointy, spinous projection that serves as a site of muscle attachment. It is easily broken off of human skull specimens.

Identify the region of the temporal bone that forms part of the zygomatic arch.

Zygomatic process The zygomatic process is a projection of the temporal bone. It forms part of the zygomatic arch.