7.3

Question 1

Name the skull bones that make up each of these groups:
1. External bones of the cranium
2. Internal bones of the cranium
3. Bones of the ear
4. External bones of the face
5. Internal bones of the face

Answer 1

1. External bones of the cranium: occipital bone, interparietal bones, parietal bones, temporal bones, and frontal bones
2. Internal bones of the cranium: sphenoid bone and rostral ethmoid bone
3. Bones of the ear: malleus, incus, and stapes
4. External bones of the face: incisive bones, nasal bones, maxillary bones, lacrimal bones, zygomatic bones, and mandible
5. Internal bones of the face: palatine bones, pterygoid bones, vomer bone, and turbinates

Question 2

In which skull bones are each of the following structures found?
1. Cribriform plate
2. External acoustic meatus
3. Foramen magnum
4. Frontal sinus
5. Lacrimal sac
6. Lower teeth
7. Pituitary fossa
8. Upper incisor teeth
9. Upper cheek teeth

Answer 2

1. Cribriform plate: ethmoid bone
2. External acoustic meatus: temporal bone
3. Foramen magnum: occipital bone
4. Frontal sinus: frontal bone
5. Lacrimal sac: lacrimal bone
6. Lower teeth: mandible
7. Pituitary fossa: sphenoid bone
8. Upper incisor teeth: incisive bones
9. Upper cheek teeth: maxillary bones

Question 3

Which would likely be a greater threat to an animal’s well-being: a fracture of the mandible or a fracture of the occipital bone? Why?

Answer 3

A fracture of the occipital bone is more dangerous as it houses the spinal cord’s exit and connects with the first cervical vertebra. Damage could impact central nervous system functions.