Chapter 7: The Skull Flashcards
calvaria
the top of the skull
coronal suture
where the frontal bone is connected to the parietal bones
supraorbital foramen (notch)
a hole in the superior each of the orbits that allows passage of blood and nerves to the eyes and eyelid
glabella
smooth bone found between the two orbits
paranasal sinuses
Air-filled cavities within certain skull bones that connect to the nasal cavity; located in the frontal, maxillary, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
anterior cranal fossa
the internal structure of the frontal lobe that supports the brain
sagittal suture
the medial suture that connects the two parietal bones
lambdoid suture
where the parietal bones connect to the occipital bones
superior temporal line and inferior temporal line
attachment sites on the parietal bones for a mastication muscle, the temporalis
squamous suture
where the temporal bones are connected to the skull
zygomatic process
bony arch created by the junction of the zygomatic and temporal bones.
mandibular fossa
an oval-shaped fossa on the inferior side of the zygomatic process
tympanic part
this part of the temporal bone contains the “external acoustic meatus” or “external auditory canal” that transmits sound towards the eardrum or tympanic membrane.
mastoid process
a large bony inferior projection superior to the ear that is the attachment point of muscles that turn the neck.
mastoid air cells
Spaces within the mastoid process of the temporal bone connected to the middle ear by ducts.
styloid process
a projection from the inferior of the petrous part of the temporal bone and is the attachment site for muscles that control the movement of the tongue, hyoid bone, and pharynx.
stylamastoid process
located between the styloid process and the amstoid process and allows for passage of nerves controlling facial muscles.
foramen magnum
the large hole in the occiptal bone where the brainstem connects to the spinal cord.
posterior cranial fossae
these structures support the cerebellem of the brain
occipital condyles
points of articulation between the skull and the first cervical vertabra that allow for the “yes” nodding
hypoglossal canal
the anteromedial region of the occiptal bone where the nerve for the tongue exits the skull
external occipital protuberance
felt at the base of the skull, this projection is the attachment site of a ligament that extends down the neck and keeps the head upright by attaching to the occipital bone
nuchal lines
attachment points on the occipital bone for muscles that control movement of the head.
what are the four parts of the sphenoid bone?
body
greater wings
lesser wings
pterygoid processes
sella turcica
a saddle shaped prominence on the central part of the sphenoid bone that surrounds and protects the pituitary gland
optic canal
located on the sphenoid bone, this canal allows for the optic nerves to enter the brain from the eyes.
ethmoid bone
this bone forms the nasal septum and is very porous.
crista galli
a prominent superior ridge of the ethmoid bone and is the attachment site for the meninges of the brain. It also helps anchor the brain in the cranial cavity
cribriform
Located on each side of the crista galli, these house the olfactory bulbs
What are the two major functions of the paranasal sinuses
1) decreasing the weight of skull
2) acting as a resonating chamber when speaking
hyoid bone
this bone is important in swallowing and for speech and provides an attachment point for tongue muscles and the neck muscles that elevate the larynx.
