Pterion

Pterion is an anatomical landmark located on the side of the human skull. It is the junction where the frontal bone, parietal bone, sphenoid bone, and temporal bone meet. The pterion is clinically significant as it is the thinnest part of the lateral wall of the skull, and is located directly above the middle meningeal artery.

Anatomy

The pterion is located on the lateral aspect of the skull, approximately 4 cm above the zygomatic arch and 3 cm behind the frontal process of the zygoma. It is the junction of four bones: the frontal, parietal, sphenoid (greater wing), and temporal (squamous part). The shape of the pterion can vary, but it is most commonly sphenoparietal, meaning the sphenoid bone articulates with the parietal bone.

Clinical significance

The pterion is the thinnest part of the lateral wall of the skull, making it a vulnerable area. It is located directly above the middle meningeal artery, which supplies blood to the meninges and parts of the calvaria. Trauma to the pterion can lead to an epidural hematoma, a potentially life-threatening condition where blood accumulates between the dura mater and the skull.

See also

• Anatomy of the human skull
• Cranial bones
• Epidural hematoma

References

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