Bone
Temporal bone
Houses the ear
High-yield
Its petrous part houses the inner ear; the internal acoustic meatus transmits CN VII and CN VIII. Styloid and mastoid processes are palpable landmarks.
Overview
A paired bone of the lateral skull base that houses the middle and inner ear and transmits the internal carotid artery and facial/vestibulocochlear nerves.
Reference facts
- Bone type
Irregular
- Key landmarks
Squamous part with zygomatic process; Petrous part; Mastoid process; Styloid process; External acoustic meatus; Mandibular fossa; Internal acoustic meatus; Carotid canal; Jugular foramen (with occipital)
- Articulations
Parietal; Occipital; Sphenoid; Zygomatic; Mandible (temporomandibular joint)