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Anatomy of the Head, Neck & Brain > Week 1 - Osteology of the Skull > Flashcards

Week 1 - Osteology of the Skull Flashcards

1
Q

What is the occipital bone?

A

A flat, unpaired bone that forms a major part of the posterior wall and base of the skull

It protects the cerebellum and occipital lobes of the cerebrum and provides attachment to several muscles and ligaments.

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2
Q

What are the three parts of the occipital bone?

A
  1. Squamous
  2. Condylar
  3. Basilar
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3
Q

What is the shape of the occipital bone?

A

Trapezoid

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4
Q

What is the internal surface of the squamous part of the occipital bone marked by?

A

Grooves produced by the dural venous sinuses

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5
Q

What is the cruciform eminence?

A

Grooves arranged like a cross on the internal surface of the squamous part of occipital bone

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6
Q

What marks the external surface of the occipital bone?

A

Four bony ridges known as the nuchal lines

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7
Q

What is the supreme nuchal line?

A

Extends from the midline of the occipital bone towards the lambdoid sutures on either side

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8
Q

What muscle attaches to the superior nuchal line?

A
  • Splenius capitis
  • Trapezius
  • Occipitalis
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9
Q

Fill in the blank: The condylar part of the occipital bone forms the lateral walls of the _______.

A

Foramen magnum

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10
Q

What is the function of the condyloid fossa?

A

Articulates with the superior facet of the atlas in neck extension

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11
Q

What is the hypoglossal canal?

A

A canal through which the hypoglossal nerve exits

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12
Q

What does the basilar part of the occipital bone articulate with?

A

Temporal and sphenoid bones

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13
Q

What supports the medulla oblongata?

A

Clivus

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14
Q

What passes through the foramen magnum?

A
  • Medulla oblongata
  • Accessory nerves
  • Vertebral arteries
  • Anterior and posterior spinal arteries
  • Alar ligaments
  • Tectorial membrane
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15
Q

List the muscles attached to the occipital bone.

A
  1. Occipitofrontalis
  2. Semispinalis capitis
  3. Obliquus capitis superior
  4. Trapezius
  5. Longus capitis
  6. Rectus capitis anterior
  7. Rectus capitis lateralis
  8. Rectus capitis posterior
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16
Q

What are the paired bones that the occipital bone articulates with?

A

Parietal and temporal bones

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17
Q

True or False: The occipital bone articulates with the atlas (C1) at the atlanto-occipital joint.

A

True

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18
Q

What is the ‘danger area of the scalp’?

A

Layer of loose areolar connective tissue containing valveless emissary veins

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19
Q

What can increased intracranial pressure cause in relation to the occipital bone?

A

Abducens palsy

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20
Q

What anatomical structure serves as a landmark for checking atlanto-occipital alignment?

A

Clivus

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21
Q

What is the frontal bone?

A

One of the eight bones that make up the cranium, protecting the brain

Derived from the Latin ‘frons’, meaning ‘forehead’.

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22
Q

What are the four parts of the frontal bone?

A
  • Squamous part
  • Orbital part (x2)
  • Nasal part

The squamous part is the largest component and forms the forehead.

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23
Q

What features are found on the internal surface of the squamous part of the frontal bone?

A
  • Sagittal sulcus
  • Frontal crest
  • Groove for the anterior meningeal artery

The sagittal sulcus contains the superior sagittal sinus.

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24
Q

Where are the frontal sinuses located?

A

Above the orbits, separated by a septum

Composed of an anterior and posterior plate.

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25
What is the role of the supraorbital margin?
Separates the squamous part from the orbital part ## Footnote Contains the supraorbital foramen where vessels and nerve pass through.
26
What does the orbital part of the frontal bone form?
The roof of the orbit ## Footnote Comprised of a triangular-shaped flat plate extending from the supraorbital margin.
27
What is located in the anterolateral portion of the orbital part?
Lacrimal fossa ## Footnote This is where the lacrimal gland sits.
28
What does the nasal part of the frontal bone articulate with?
Nasal bones and frontal processes of the maxilla ## Footnote The nasal spine supports the bridge of the nose.
29
True or False: The frontal bone has specific muscular attachments.
False ## Footnote The trochlear fossa contains a cartilaginous pulley for the superior oblique muscle.
30
Which bones does the frontal bone articulate with?
* Unpaired: ethmoid, sphenoid * Paired: nasal, maxilla, lacrimal, parietal, zygomatic ## Footnote A total of twelve bones.
31
What is frontal sinusitis?
Inflammation of the frontal sinus usually caused by infection ## Footnote Can lead to complications like orbital cellulitis or meningitis if untreated.
32
What typically causes fractures of the frontal sinus?
Motor vehicle accidents or falls ## Footnote Characteristic sign includes frontal depression in the anterior table of the skull.
33
What indicates a cerebrospinal fluid leak in a frontal sinus fracture?
Clear fluid leakage from the nose ## Footnote This occurs due to rupture of the dura mater.
34
What is the skull?
A bony structure that supports the face and forms a protective cavity for the brain.
35
How are the bones of the skull formed?
By intramembranous ossification and joined by sutures.
36
What are the two main groups of skull bones?
* Cranium * Facial bones
37
What is the cranium also known as?
Neurocranium
38
What does the cranium protect?
The brain, meninges, and cerebral vasculature.
39
What are the two subdivisions of the cranium?
* Cranial roof * Cranial base
40
What bones comprise the cranial roof?
* Frontal * Occipital * Two parietal bones
41
What bones comprise the cranial base?
* Frontal * Sphenoid * Ethmoid * Occipital * Parietal * Temporal
42
What is the clinical relevance of cranial fractures?
They can cause injury to the middle meningeal artery, leading to extradural haematoma.
43
What is the pterion?
An H-shaped junction between the temporal, parietal, frontal, and sphenoid bones.
44
What is the facial skeleton also known as?
Viscerocranium
45
How many bones comprise the facial skeleton?
14 bones
46
What are the facial bones?
* Zygomatic (2) * Lacrimal (2) * Nasal (2) * Inferior nasal conchae (2) * Palatine (2) * Maxilla (2) * Vomer * Mandible
47
Which facial bone forms the cheekbones?
Zygomatic bones
48
What is the most common type of facial fracture?
Nasal fracture
49
What classification is used for maxillary fractures?
Le Fort classification
50
What is a common clinical feature of a mandibular fracture?
Pain at the fracture site and misalignment of the teeth (malocclusion)
51
What are sutures?
Fibrous joints unique to the skull that are immovable.
52
At what age do sutures typically fuse completely?
Around the age of 20.
53
What are the main sutures in the adult skull?
* Coronal suture * Sagittal suture * Lambdoid suture
54
What are fontanelles?
Membranous gaps between the bones in neonates due to incompletely fused sutures.
55
Where is the frontal fontanelle located?
At the junction of the coronal and sagittal sutures.
56
Where is the occipital fontanelle located?
At the junction of the sagittal and lambdoid sutures.
57
What does the temporal bone contribute to?
The lower lateral walls of the skull ## Footnote It contains the middle and inner portions of the ear and is crossed by cranial nerves.
58
What joint does the lower portion of the temporal bone articulate with?
The mandible, forming the temporomandibular joint ## Footnote This joint is crucial for jaw movement.
59
How many constituent parts make up the temporal bone?
Five parts ## Footnote These parts include the squamous, tympanic, petromastoid, zygomatic, and styloid processes.
60
What is the largest part of the temporal bone?
The squamous part ## Footnote Also known as the squama temporalis.
61
What muscle originates from the lower part of the squamous part of temporal bone?
Temporalis muscle ## Footnote This muscle is involved in mastication.
62
What does the zygomatic process articulate with?
The temporal process of the zygomatic bone ## Footnote Together they form the zygomatic arch.
63
What does the tympanic part of the temporal bone surround?
The external auditory opening ## Footnote It leads into the external auditory meatus.
64
What is the function of the styloid process?
Attachment point for muscles and ligaments ## Footnote Includes the stylomandibular ligament of the TMJ.
65
What two parts can the petromastoid portion of the temporal bone be split into?
Mastoid and petrous parts ## Footnote The mastoid process is a notable landmark.
66
What is the clinical significance of the mastoid air cells?
They can become infected, known as mastoiditis ## Footnote They also help equalize pressure in the middle ear.
67
What is the primary site of attachment for the sternocleidomastoid muscle?
Mastoid process ## Footnote This muscle is involved in head rotation and neck flexion.
68
What is the major articulation of the temporal bone?
The temporomandibular joint with the mandible ## Footnote It allows for the movement of the jaw.
69
What can happen if middle ear infections spread to the mastoid air cells?
Mastoiditis can occur ## Footnote This can potentially lead to meningitis if not treated.
70
What is a common cause of temporal bone fractures?
Blunt trauma to the skull ## Footnote This can result in symptoms like vertigo or hearing loss.
71
Where is the pterion located?
Where the temporal, parietal, frontal, and sphenoid bones meet ## Footnote It is the weakest point of the skull.
72
What can a fracture at the pterion injure?
The middle meningeal artery (MMA) ## Footnote This can lead to an extradural haematoma.
73
What are some symptoms of increased intracranial pressure?
- Nausea - Vomiting - Seizures - Bradycardia - Limb weakness ## Footnote This condition may require surgical intervention.
74
What is the sphenoid bone?
One of the eight bones that make up the cranium, enclosing and protecting the brain.
75
What does the name 'sphenoid' mean?
'Wedge-shaped', derived from the Greek 'sphenoeides'.
76
Describe the shape of the sphenoid bone.
'Butterfly-shaped'.
77
What are the main components of the sphenoid bone?
* Body * Greater wings * Lesser wings * Two pterygoid processes
78
Where is the body of the sphenoid bone located?
At the center of the sphenoid bone, almost completely cuboidal in shape.
79
What structures are contained within the body of the sphenoid bone?
Sphenoidal sinuses, separated by a septum.
80
Which bone does the sphenoid body articulate with anteriorly?
Ethmoid bone.
81
What important bony landmarks are found on the superior surface of the sphenoid body?
* Sella turcica * Chiasmatic groove
82
What are the three parts of the sella turcica?
* Tuberculum sellae * Hypophyseal fossa * Dorsum sellae
83
What is the function of the anterior and posterior clinoid processes?
Attachment points for the tentorium cerebelli.
84
What does the greater wing of the sphenoid bone contribute to?
* Floor of the middle cranial fossa * Lateral wall of the skull * Posterolateral wall of the orbit
85
What foramina are present in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone?
* Foramen rotundum * Foramen ovale * Foramen spinosum
86
What structures pass through the foramen rotundum?
Maxillary nerve.
87
What structures pass through the foramen ovale?
Mandibular nerve.
88
What structures pass through the foramen spinosum?
- Middle meningeal artery & vein - Meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve
89
What is the function of the lesser wing of the sphenoid bone?
Separates the anterior cranial fossa from the middle cranial fossa.
90
What forms the lateral border of the optic canal?
Lesser wing of the sphenoid.
91
Fill in the blank: The _______ is a slit-like gap between the lesser and greater wings of the sphenoid.
Superior orbital fissure
92
What does the pterygoid process consist of?
* Medial pterygoid plate * Lateral pterygoid plate
93
What is the function of the medial pterygoid plate?
Supports the posterior opening of the nasal cavity.
94
What muscles originate from the lateral pterygoid plate?
Medial and lateral pterygoid muscles.
95
How many bones does the sphenoid bone articulate with?
Twelve other bones.
96
List the unpaired bones that articulate with the sphenoid bone.
* Occipital * Vomer * Ethmoid * Frontal
97
List the paired bones that articulate with the sphenoid bone.
* Temporal * Parietal * Zygomatic * Palatine
98
What is the clinical significance of the sphenoid bone?
It allows access to the pituitary gland for surgical procedures.
99
What type of surgery is performed through the sphenoid bone?
Endoscopic trans-sphenoidal surgery (ETSS).
100
True or False: The sphenoid bone is a paired bone.
False
101
What is the ethmoid bone?
A small unpaired bone located in the midline of the anterior cranium that encloses and protects the brain. ## Footnote The term 'ethmoid' originates from the Greek 'ethmos', meaning sieve, reflecting its lightweight, spongy structure.
102
How many bones make up the cranium, including the ethmoid bone?
8 bones. ## Footnote The ethmoid bone is one of these 8 bones.
103
Where is the ethmoid bone situated?
At the roof of the nasal cavity and between the two orbital cavities. ## Footnote It contributes to the medial wall of the orbit and forms part of the anterior cranial fossa.
104
What anatomical structures does the ethmoid bone form?
* Medial wall of the orbit * Anterior cranial fossa * Nasal septum * Lateral nasal wall ## Footnote It separates the nasal cavity from the cranial cavity.
105
Which cranial nerve has a close anatomical relationship with the ethmoid bone?
Olfactory nerve (CN I). ## Footnote Its fibers pass through the cribriform plate to innervate the nasal cavity.
106
Name the three parts of the ethmoid bone.
* Cribriform plate * Perpendicular plate * Ethmoidal labyrinth ## Footnote Each part has specific anatomical functions and structures.
107
What is the function of the cribriform plate?
It forms the roof of the nasal cavity and is pierced by numerous olfactory nerve fibres. ## Footnote This gives it a sieve-like structure.
108
What is the crista galli?
A projection from the cribriform plate that provides an attachment point for the falx cerebri. ## Footnote The falx cerebri is a sheet of dura mater that separates the two cerebral hemispheres.
109
What does the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone form?
The superior two-thirds of the nasal septum. ## Footnote This structure is crucial for separating the nasal passages.
110
What do the ethmoidal labyrinths contain?
Ethmoidal air cells (sinuses). ## Footnote These large masses are located at either side of the perpendicular plate.
111
List the bones with which the ethmoid bone articulates.
* Nasal bones * Maxillae * Lacrimal bones * Palatine bones * Inferior conchae * Frontal bone * Vomer * Sphenoid bone ## Footnote The ethmoid bone articulates with a total of 13 bones.
112
What is a common cause of an ethmoid fracture?
Facial trauma, such as hitting the dashboard in a collision or falling from height. ## Footnote These fractures can lead to various clinical symptoms.
113
What is anosmia?
Loss of sense of smell. ## Footnote This can occur if the cribriform plate is fractured, shearing branches of the olfactory bulb.
114
What can happen if the ethmoidal labyrinth is fractured?
It may allow communication between the nasal cavity and the orbit, leading to orbital emphysema. ## Footnote This condition allows air to enter the orbit.
115
What does CSF rhinorrhoea refer to?
Cerebrospinal fluid entering the nasal cavity and draining out from the nose. ## Footnote This can occur due to a fracture of the cribriform plate.
116
How is CSF rhinorrhoea usually managed?
It often stops spontaneously and can be managed conservatively, but surgery may sometimes be required. ## Footnote Spontaneous cases can also occur due to congenital or acquired defects in the ethmoid bone.
117
What is the nasal skeleton composed of?
- Bone - Cartilage - Fibro-fatty tissue ## Footnote The nasal skeleton forms both the external nose and the internal nasal septum.
118
What are the two main parts of the nasal skeleton?
External nasal skeleton and internal nasal septum ## Footnote These parts help in understanding the structure of the nose.
119
Which bones primarily form the external nasal skeleton?
Nasal and maxillary bones ## Footnote These bones are situated superiorly in the external skeleton.
120
What type of cartilage primarily makes up the inferior portion of the external nose?
Hyaline cartilages ## Footnote This includes lateral, major alar, minor alar, and the cartilaginous septum.
121
How many minor alar cartilages are usually present on each side of the nose?
3 or 4 ## Footnote The number of minor alar cartilages can vary.
122
What is the function of the internal nasal septum?
Separates the nasal cavity into two nostrils ## Footnote This division is crucial for proper nasal function.
123
Name the paired bones that contribute to the nasal septum.
* Nasal bones * Maxillary bones * Palatine bones ## Footnote These bones work together to form the structure of the nasal septum.
124
What are the unpaired bones that contribute to the nasal septum?
* Ethmoid bone * Vomer bone ## Footnote These bones are essential for the central portion of the nasal septum.
125
Which bone contributes to the central portion of the nasal septum?
Ethmoid bone ## Footnote The ethmoid bone is one of the most complex bones in the human body.
126
What forms the anterior and posterior parts of the nasal septum?
* Septal cartilage (anterior) * Vomer bone (posterior) ## Footnote These components are crucial for the integrity of the septum.
127
What forms the floor of the nasal cavity?
Hard palate ## Footnote The hard palate separates the nasal cavity from the oral cavity.
128
What are the two components of the hard palate?
* Palatine bone (posterior) * Palatine process of the maxilla (anterior) ## Footnote These bones together create the structure of the hard palate.
129
What forms the roof of the nasal cavity?
Cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone ## Footnote This structure is important for the separation between the nasal cavity and the cranial cavity.
130
True or False: Nasal fractures are uncommon.
False ## Footnote Nasal fractures are the most common facial fracture.
131
What typically causes nasal fractures?
Blunt trauma to the nose ## Footnote This type of injury is often due to accidents or physical confrontations.
132
What is a common sequela of nasal fractures?
Permanent deformity ## Footnote This occurs due to disruption of the bone and cartilage.
133
What is the mandible?
The largest and strongest bone of the face that forms the lower jaw ## Footnote The mandible acts as a receptacle for the lower teeth and articulates with the temporal bone to form the temporomandibular joint.
134
What are the two main parts of the mandible?
The horizontal body and two vertical rami ## Footnote The body is anterior, while the rami are posterior.
135
What are the two borders of the mandible's body?
* Alveolar border (superior) * Base (inferior) ## Footnote The alveolar border contains sockets for the lower teeth, and the base is the attachment site for the digastric muscle.
136
What is the mandibular symphysis?
A small ridge of bone marking the fusion of the two halves of the mandible during development ## Footnote It encloses a triangular eminence known as the mental protuberance.
137
Where is the mental foramen located?
Below the second premolar tooth on either side of the mandible ## Footnote It acts as a passageway for neurovascular structures.
138
What are the bony landmarks of the mandibular rami?
* Head * Neck * Coronoid process ## Footnote The head articulates with the temporal bone, the neck supports the head, and the coronoid process is the attachment site for the temporalis muscle.
139
What is the function of the mandibular foramen?
Serves as a conduit for the inferior alveolar nerve and inferior alveolar artery ## Footnote It allows these structures to travel into the mandibular canal and exit at the mental foramen.
140
What muscles attach to the external surface of the mandibular body?
* Mentalis * Buccinator * Platysma * Depressor labii inferioris * Depressor anguli oris ## Footnote These muscles are involved in facial expressions and movements.
141
What muscles attach to the internal surface of the mandibular body?
* Genioglossus * Geniohyoid * Mylohyoid * Digastric ## Footnote These muscles are involved in tongue movement and swallowing.
142
What muscles attach to the mandibular rami?
* Masseter * Temporalis * Medial pterygoid * Lateral pterygoid ## Footnote These muscles are primarily responsible for mastication.
143
True or False: Fractures of the mandible often occur in isolation.
False ## Footnote A fracture on one side is frequently associated with a fracture on the contralateral side.
144
What characterizes fractures of the neck of the mandible?
Often transverse and usually accompanied by dislocation of the temporomandibular joint ## Footnote These fractures are common in mandibular injuries.
145
What is the common characteristic of fractures of the body of the mandible?
Frequently pass through the canine tooth ## Footnote This highlights the importance of evaluating the entire mandible when a fracture is present.
146
What are the uncommon fractures of the mandible?
* Fractures of the coronoid process * Fractures of the neck of the mandible ## Footnote Fractures of the coronoid process are usually singular.
147
What type of fractures occur at the angle of the mandible?
Usually oblique and may involve the alveolus of the 3rd molar ## Footnote These fractures can complicate dental procedures.
148
What is a foramen?
An opening that allows the passage of structures from one region to another
149
What are the foramina of the skull collectively referred to?
Cranial foramina
150
What is the function of the cribriform foramina?
They allow the passage of axons of the olfactory nerve from the nasal cavity to the anterior cranial fossa
151
What structures pass through the optic canal?
* Optic nerve (CN II) * Ophthalmic artery
152
What is the location of the superior orbital fissure?
It opens anteriorly into the orbit and enables communication between the cavernous sinus and the apex of the orbit
153
What structures are transmitted through the superior orbital fissure?
* Lacrimal nerve * Frontal nerve * Superior ophthalmic vein * Trochlear nerve (CN IV) * Superior division of the Oculomotor nerve (CN III) * Nasociliary nerve * Inferior division of the Oculomotor nerve (CN III) * Abducens nerve (CN VI) * A branch of the Inferior ophthalmic vein
154
Where is the foramen rotundum located?
At the base of the greater wing of the sphenoid, inferior to the superior orbital fissure
155
Which nerve passes through the foramen rotundum?
Maxillary nerve (branch of the trigeminal nerve, CN V)
156
What does the foramen ovale conduct?
* Mandibular nerve (branch of the trigeminal nerve, CN V) * Accessory meningeal artery
157
What is the function of the internal acoustic meatus?
- Connects the posterior cranial fossa and the inner ear - Transports neurovascular structures
158
What structures pass through the internal acoustic meatus?
* Facial nerve (CN VII) * Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII) * Vestibular ganglion * Labyrinthine artery
159
What are the three compartments of the jugular foramen?
* Anterior: inferior petrosal sinus * Middle: glossopharyngeal nerve, vagus nerve, cranial part of the accessory nerve * Posterior: sigmoid sinus and meningeal branches of occipital and ascending pharyngeal arteries
160
What nerve passes through the hypoglossal canal?
Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
161
What is the largest cranial foramen?
Foramen magnum
162
What structures pass through the foramen magnum?
* Medulla and meninges * Vertebral arteries * Anterior and posterior spinal arteries * Dural veins * Spinal division of the accessory nerve
163
What does the foramen spinosum allow to pass through?
* Middle meningeal artery * Middle meningeal vein * Meningeal branch of CN V3
164
What is unique about the foramen lacerum?
It is filled by cartilage in life, with only a few minor vessels passing through it

Anatomy of the Head, Neck & Brain (15 decks)

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