Temporal bone

Temporal bone is a bone in the skull that is part of the side of the skull and contributes to the base of the skull. It is one of the eight cranial bones and is located near the temple, hence its name. The temporal bone is involved in several important functions, including housing the structures of the ear and contributing to the formation of the temporomandibular joint.

Structure

The temporal bone is complex in shape and has several parts. These include the squamous part, the tympanic part, the styloid process, the mastoid process, and the petrous part.

Squamous part

The squamous part of the temporal bone is the largest and most superiorly positioned relative to the rest of the bone. It forms the anterior and upper part of the temporal bone.

Tympanic part

The tympanic part of the temporal bone is located inferior to the squamous part and anterior to the mastoid process. It contains the external acoustic meatus, the opening that leads to the inner parts of the ear.

Styloid process

The styloid process is a thin, pointed piece of bone that projects down and forward from the inferior surface of the temporal bone.

Mastoid process

The mastoid process is a large, conical prominence located posterior to the external acoustic meatus. It serves as a point of attachment for several muscles.

Petrous part

The petrous part of the temporal bone is pyramid-shaped and is wedged in at the base of the skull between the sphenoid and occipital bones.

Function

The temporal bone serves several functions. It houses the structures of the ear, which are involved in hearing and balance. It also forms part of the temporomandibular joint, which allows for movement of the jaw.

Clinical significance

Diseases and conditions that can affect the temporal bone include temporal bone fracture, mastoiditis, otitis media, and temporomandibular joint disorder.

See also

• Cranial bones
• Ear
• Temporomandibular joint

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