Mastoid part of the temporal bone

Mastoid Part of the Temporal Bone

The mastoid part of the temporal bone, shown in red.

The Mastoid part of the temporal bone is a conical prominence projecting from the undersurface of the temporal bone of the human skull. It is located just behind the external auditory meatus, or ear canal. The mastoid part of the temporal bone is filled with air cells that communicate with the middle ear, a characteristic that distinguishes humans and other mammals.

Anatomy

The mastoid part of the temporal bone is one of the five parts of the temporal bone, the others being the squamous, tympanic, styloid, and petrous parts. It is located posterior to the ear canal and is easily palpable in humans. The mastoid process, a conical projection, is the most prominent feature of the mastoid part.

Mastoid Process

The mastoid process is a conical prominence that projects from the mastoid part of the temporal bone. It serves as an attachment site for several muscles, including the sternocleidomastoid, splenius capitis, and longissimus capitis muscles.

Mastoid Air Cells

The mastoid part of the temporal bone contains numerous air-filled spaces known as mastoid air cells. These cells communicate with the middle ear and are lined with mucous membrane. They vary in size and number in different individuals and are absent at birth.

Clinical Significance

The mastoid part of the temporal bone and its air cells can be affected by various diseases, including mastoiditis, a bacterial infection that can result in a range of symptoms from mild ear discomfort to serious complications such as hearing loss or brain abscess.

See Also

• Temporal bone
• Mastoiditis
• Mastoid process
• Human skull