Skull Bones: Temporal

The skull is complicated if you don’t approach it one thing at a time.  Start by examining the flat bones of the skull. Then, look at the suturesImmovable joints between skull bones; zigzag or wavy seams. that connect them to each other. This is always a great way to begin.  Note that before getting started, there are two structures within the skull. The cranial vault is where your brain is. Then, there are your facial bones, where your brain isn’t.  

There are many features of the temporal bone.  The first I already mentioned is the ear hole or the external acoustic meatus.  Sometimes this is called an auditory meatus.  You also have an internal acoustic meatus, but you can’t see that from this side of the skull. 

There are three processes on the temporal bone, two are easy to identify, one is confusing.  Touch behind your ear. Move your jaw in a chewing motion. You can feel where your chewing muscles attach. These muscles connect the mandibleLower jawbone; only movable bone of the skull; U-shaped and largest facial bone. or the lower jaw to the skull.  This is the mastoid processLarge, rounded bump behind the ear; attachment for neck muscles..  The word masticate means to chew and this is where the word mastoid comes from.  

Whereas the mastoid process is rounded, the styloid processThere are many styloid processes in the human body. All are pointed projections that serve as muscle  is pointy.  The word stylus means writing utensil, like a pencil.  Many times when humans skulls are prepared from viewing, the styloid process easily breaks off.  The zygomatic processProjection of the temporal bone that connects to the cheekbone (zygomatic bone). is the third process and can be hard to see on a lateralAway from the midline of the body. view of the skull.  

There are three processes on the temporal bone, two are easy to identify, one is confusing.  Touch behind your ear. Move your jaw in a chewing motion. You can feel where your chewing muscles attach. These muscles connect the mandible or the lower jaw to the skull.  This is the mastoid process.  The word masticate means to chew and this is where the word mastoid comes from.  

Whereas the mastoid process is rounded, the styloid process  is pointy.  The word stylus means writing utensil, like a pencil.  Many times when humans skulls are prepared from viewing, the styloid process easily breaks off.  The zygomaticCheekbones; form lateral walls of orbits and connect to temporal bones via zygomatic process. process is the third process and can be hard to see on a lateral view of the skull.  

The zygomatic process, comes off the temporal bone and connects with your zygomatic bone, or the cheek bone.  The process is not named for the bone from which it originates. It is named for the bone with which it articulates or connects.  I recommend looking at the description of the zygomatic bone right now to see how these two processes articulate.