Bones of the Head and Neck

Question 1

What functions do the bones of the skull provide? List at least 3.

Answer 1

Surround and protect / form facial features / support development and growth of jaws

Question 2

The bones surrounding the brain are called the __________?

How many are there?

What are the names of them?

Answer 2

Neurocranium/Cranium

There are 8 bones

Frontal (1), Sphenoid (1), Ethmoid (1), Parietal (2) Temporal (2), Occipital (1)

Question 3

The bones of the facial skeleton are called the ________?

How many bones are there?

What are the names of them?

Answer 3

Viscerocranium

There are 14 bones

Mandible (1), Maxilla (2), Zygoma (2), Vomer (1), Nasal (2), Inferior Nasal Conchae(2), Palatine (2), Lacrimal (2).

Question 4

What bones join together to form the nasal septum?

Answer 4

Ethmoid (perpendicular plate) and the Vomer.

Question 5

The suture dividing the parietal and occipital bones has 2 names. What are they?

Answer 5

Lambdoid suture and Parieto-occipital

Question 6

What is the mastoid process?

Answer 6

The bony projection on the temporal bone just posterior and slightly inferior and posterior to the external auditory meatus.

Question 7

What is the external auditory (acoustic) meatus?

Answer 7

The opening to the external / outer ear canal, a short canal leading to outer ear.

Question 8

The eminence that forms the cheek bone is part of the zygomatic bone. What is another name for this part of the bone?

Answer 8

Zygoma is ‘actually’ singular for the zygomatic bone. However, in radiology, dental professionals often refer to the ‘cheek bone’ protuberance of bone (radiopacity) as the zygoma. In this region, the maxillary bone and the zygomatic bone join. The jugal ridge is another term you may come across in anatomy. Isn’t it wonderful how everyone can pick their own name for the same thing! Zygomaticomaxillary eminence is another!

Question 9

The articular fossa (also the mandibular fossa) is part of which bone? *The term Glenoid as it is not used often.

Answer 9

Temporal bone

Question 10

What bony structure articulates with the articular fossa?

Answer 10

The condylar process of the mandible ‘or the condyle’

Question 11

Of what purpose is the styloid process?

Answer 11

On the temporal bone - serves as an attachment site for muscles and ligaments.

Question 12

Name the processes of the sphenoid bone.

Answer 12

Greater wings  / Lesser wings 
Pterygoid processes (medial and lateral plates of pterygoid processes)

Question 13

What is the purpose of the crista galli of the ethmoid bone?

Answer 13

Attachment site for layers of brain coverings “dura mater”

Question 14

What is the significance of the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone?

Answer 14

It is porous – the olfactory nerves (sense of smell) travel through this area

Question 15

What gland is situated in the hypophyseal fossa (also the sella turcica)?

Answer 15

Anterior lobe of pituitary gland

Question 16

What travels through the foramen ovale and foramen rotundum?

Answer 16

Nerves, Blood Vessels. For DH to know:
Ovale – Mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (also referred to as V-3)
Rotundum – Maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve (V-2)

Question 17

What is the maxillary tuberosity?

Answer 17

Area of bone (also soft tissue) directly posterior (or distal) to the last molar in the maxillary arch (bilateral).

Question 18

What are alveolar eminences?

Answer 18

They are the bulges in the facial alveolar process directly facial to the roots of the teeth. A result of bone formation over individual roots. Creates ‘prominent or bulky areas referred to as root or alveolar eminences’.

Question 19

What is the structure called that forms the tip of the chin?

Answer 19

Mental protuberance / Symphysis is the entire chin area

Question 20

On the mandible what structure is situated superior to the mandibular foramen?

Answer 20

The lingula – it is on the medial surface of the ramus. Bulge of bone.

Question 21

What structures form the angle of the mandible?

Answer 21

Where the body and ramus meet the angle is formed

Question 22

What function does the coronoid process provide?

Answer 22

Is an (one of) attachment site for muscles of mastication

Question 23

Where do nerves and blood vessels for the mandibular teeth and lip enter the mandible?

Answer 23

At the mandibular foramen on the medial surface of the ramus.

Question 24

The mylohyoid muscle would likely attach to the mandible at what area?

Answer 24

At the mylohyoid ridge on the medial surface of the body of the mandible.