Understanding Temporal Bone and Skull Sutures

Oct 13, 2024

Lecture on Temporal Bone and Skull Sutures

Overview

  • The lecture reviews the temporal bone, its bone markings, and the different sutures found on the skull.

Temporal Bone

  • Located on each side of the skull.
  • Focus on the left temporal bone in this lecture.

Bone Markings

  1. Zygomatic Process

    • Extends outward.
    • Often broken in specimens.
    • Identifies the squamous region of the temporal bone.

  2. Mandibular Fossa

    • Located behind the zygomatic process.
    • Smooth area on the skull.
    • Part of the squamous region.

  3. External Acoustic Meatus

    • Located in the tympanic region.
    • Recognized as the larger hole on the outside of the skull.

  4. Mastoid Process

    • Located behind the external acoustic meatus.
    • Recognized by a ridged area.

  5. Styloid Process

    • Tooth-like extension under the external acoustic meatus.

  6. Internal Acoustic Meatus

    • Found inside the skull.
    • Appears as an indentation, not a complete hole.

  7. Carotid Canal

    • Complete hole allowing a stick to pass through.
    • Critical for identifying the canal during examinations.

Sutures on the Skull

Key Sutures

  1. Coronal Suture

    • Located at the front, running across to divide anterior and posterior parts.
    • Named based on the frontal or coronal plane.

  2. Sagittal Suture

    • Divides the skull into right and left halves.
    • Located along the midline behind the coronal suture.

  3. Squamous Suture

    • Outlines the majority of the temporal bone.
    • Follows the edge of the squamous region.

  4. Lambdoid Suture

    • Outlines the superior portion of the occipital bone in the back.

  5. Occipitomastoid Suture

    • Runs between the mastoid process and the occipital bone.
    • Connects the lambdoid suture to the occipital and mastoid regions.

Visual Orientation

  • Identify sutures by following the regions they outline, understanding the directional terms and divisions they create.

Conclusion

  • Understanding temporal bone markings and skull sutures is crucial for anatomical orientation and study.