mastoid process. n. A conical protuberance of the posterior portion of the temporal bone that is situated behind the ear and serves as a site of muscle attachment. mastoid bone. The part of the first pharyngeal arch in the embryo, developing into the upper jaw in the embryo.
What bone is mastoid process located?
The first is the mastoid process, an inferior projection of bone, palpable just behind the ear. It is a site of attachment for many muscles, such as the sternocleidomastoid. Also of clinical importance are the mastoid air cells. These are hollowed out areas within the temporal bone .
Is the mastoid process a bone?
Mastoid process, the smooth pyramidal or cone-shaped bone projection at the base of the skull on each side of the head just below and behind the ear in humans.
Is mastoid process on occipital bone?
The mastoid part of the temporal bone articulates with the following bones 1 , 2 : ... posteriorly: squamous part of the occipital bone via the occipitomastoid suture. anteriorly: tympanic part of the temporal bone via the tympanomastoid suture.
What attaches to mastoid process?
The mastoid process is part of the temporal bone. It is the insertion for the sternocleidomastoid muscle . In fact it is this muscle that causes this landmark to develop.
Why does my mastoid bone hurt?
The bone behind your ear is called the mastoid bone, which is part of your skull. If this bone becomes painful and red, you may have a very serious infection called mastoiditis . Mastoiditis is more common in children but can occur in adults and is usually caused by an untreated middle ear infection.
What is the mastoid bone for?
The mastoid bone, which is full of these air cells, is part of the temporal bone of the skull. The mastoid air cells are thought to protect the delicate structures of the ear , regulate ear pressure and possibly protect the temporal bone during trauma.
Is mastoiditis hard or soft?
Mastoiditis is a serious infection in the mastoid process, which is the hard , prominent bone just behind and under the ear.
What happens if mastoiditis is left untreated?
If mastoiditis develops and treatment is not given, the infection can progress . It may enter the inner ear and cause profound hearing loss and vertigo. It may infect the facial nerve and cause a facial droop. It can spread into the neck and cause infection of the muscles of the neck resulting in neck abscess.
Can you feel mastoid process?
The mastoid process is a bony lump you can feel behind the lower ear . Muscles that turn the neck attach to the mastoid process. The process is larger in men because of larger neck muscles. The mastoid is filled with air cells that connect to the inner ear.
How do you get mastoiditis?
Mastoiditis can develop if the mastoid cells become infected or inflamed , often following a persistent middle ear infection (otitis media). Cholesteatoma can also cause mastoiditis. This is an abnormal collection of skin cells inside the ear which may prevent the ear draining properly, leading to infection.
Can mastoiditis be cured?
Mastoiditis can be cured if treated with antibiotics right away . It may come back periodically (recur) in some individuals. If infection spreads, serious complication can arise including hearing loss, bone infection, blood clots, brain abscess, and meningitis.
What is above the mastoid?
The roof of the mastoid antrum is called the tegmen mastoideum , which is a posterior extension of the tegmen tympani. ... The posterior landmark is the asterion. The medial extracranial surface of the mastoid process contains a deep groove called the digastric fossa (mastoid notch), which originates the digastric muscle.
Does the temporal bone have a sinus?
Explanation: There are four paranasal sinuses in the head: the frontal, maxillary, sphenoid, and ethmoid sinuses. They function in lightening the skull, and creating mucous for the nasal cavity. The temporal bone does not contain a sinus .
What does the temporal bone do in the ear?
The temporal bone surrounds the ears and protects nerves and structures that play a role in controlling hearing and balance . Sound enters the ear canal and makes the tiny bones (ossicles) inside the ear vibrate.
What can mimic mastoiditis?
Local cellulitis of the scalp or preauricular tissues, or insect bites . Isolated inflammation or infection of the skin and scalp tissues behind the ear can mimic some signs of acute mastoiditis.
