Panoramic Anatomy

Question 1

Mastoid process

Answer 1

rounded radiopacity located posterior and inferior to the TMJ area

Question 2

Styloid process

Answer 2

long radiopaque spine extending down from the inferior surface of the temporal bone, anterior to the mastoid process

Question 3

External auditory meatus

Answer 3

ovoid radiolucent hole or opening in the temporal bone, located superior and anterior to the mastoid process

Question 4

Glenoid fossa

Answer 4

concave radiopaqcity of the temporal bone superior to the mandibular condyle

Question 5

Articular eminence

Answer 5

rounded radiopaque projection of temporal bone located anterior to the glenoid fossa

Question 6

Lateral pterygoid plate

Answer 6

rounded radiopaque projection of the sphenoid bone located distal to the maxillary tuberosity region
*thin wing shaped

Question 7

Pterygomaxillary fissure

Answer 7

rounded radiolucent narrow space between the lateral pterygoid plate and the maxilla

Question 8

Infraorbital foramen

Answer 8

round or ovoid radiolucent hole inferior to the orbit

Question 9

Orbit

Answer 9

round radiolucent bony cavity/compartment containing the eyeball, superior to maxillary sinuses

Question 10

Mandibular condyle

Answer 10

bony rounded radiopaque projection extending from the posterior border of the ramus

Question 11

Sigmoid notch

Answer 11

radiopaque curved depression between mandibular condyle and the coronoid process on the posterior ramus

Question 12

Mandibular foramen

Answer 12

round or ovoid radiolucent hole on the lingual aspect of the ramus

Question 13

Lingula

Answer 13

indistinct radiopaque small tongue shaped projection of bone anterior to mandibular foramen

Question 14

Hyoid bone

Answer 14

“floating” curved radiopaque horseshoe shaped bone below the inferior border of the mandible, between chin and thyroid cartilage

Question 15

Palatoglossal air space

Answer 15

between palate and tongue

Question 16

Nasopharyngeal air space

Answer 16

in pharynx, posterior to nasal cavity

Question 17

Glossopharyngeal air space

Answer 17

in pharynx posterior to the tongue and oral cavity

Question 18

List the soft tissues seen on panoramic images

Answer 18

-tongue
-soft palate and uvula
-lip line
-ear