Temporal bone: lateral anatomy of the skull and face
Quick facts
- Location
- Side and base of the skull, on each side, just above and behind the ear.
- Parts
- Squamous, tympanic, mastoid, petrous and zygomatic process.
- Notable structures
- Mandibular fossa, zygomatic arch (part), facial nerve canal and mastoid process.
- Relevance in orofacial harmonization (HOF)
- Origin of the zygomatic arch and of the lateral contour, and support for the temporomandibular joint.
The temporal bone is a large, complex paired bone that forms part of the side and base of the skull. It houses the ear and articulates with the jaw. On the face, its importance for the orofacial harmonization (HOF) professional lies in the landmarks of the lateral area: the zygomatic arch, the temporomandibular joint and the support of the contour beside the ear.
What are its parts?
| Part | What it forms |
|---|---|
| Squamous | Flat lateral part, which makes up the wall of the temporal fossa |
| Zygomatic process | Projection that forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch |
| Mandibular fossa | Cavity where the condyle of the jaw sits |
| Mastoid | Bony prominence behind the ear |
| Petrous and tympanic | House the middle and inner ear |
The junction of the zygomatic process with the zygomatic bone forms the arch that the professional palpates on the side of the face and that defines part of the width of the face.
Why does the temporal bone matter in HOF?
- Zygomatic arch: it defines the lateral projection of the face and the bizygomatic width. It helps assess the midface and is a palpation landmark for anyone planning cheekbone and temple treatment.
- Temporomandibular joint: the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone receives the mandibular condyle. Pain, clicking and limited opening are concerns a patient may bring before botulinum toxin in the lower third.
- Facial nerve canal: the facial nerve passes through the temporal bone before exiting through the stylomastoid foramen and entering the parotid gland. That is why injuries at the base of the skull and ear diseases can cause facial paralysis.
- Floor of the temple: the squamous portion, together with the sphenoid and the frontal bone, forms the floor of the temporal fossa, covered by the temporalis muscle.
What should the professional watch for?
The temporal bone is deep and protected, and what matters is how it organizes the soft tissues above it. The superficial temporal artery and branches of the facial nerve run over it, structures that make the lateral area one of the most sensitive on the face. The professional assesses, decides and performs according to the rules of their professional council, without following the script of a public page.
Also known as: temporal, os temporale.
Frequently asked questions
Is the temporal bone the same thing as the temple?
Not exactly. The temple is the area of skin and soft tissue on the side of the forehead. The temporal bone is one of the bony pieces that forms part of the floor of that area.