Temporal bones

Pair of bones that form parts of the side of the skull and surround the ear.

The temporal bones are situated at the sides and base of the skull, playing vital roles in protecting the structures of the ear and providing attachments for various muscles. Each bone is divided into four primary parts: the squamous part, which forms the side wall of the skull; the tympanic part, which surrounds the external acoustic meatus; the mastoid part, located behind the ear; and the petrous part, which contains the inner ear structures.

Terminologia Anatomica

os temporale

System

Skeletal system

Function

The temporal bones serve several crucial functions in the human body. Primarily, they protect the delicate auditory structures housed within the ear, including the cochlea and vestibular apparatus, which are essential for hearing and balance. Furthermore, they provide sites for muscle attachment, enabling movements of the jaw and facilitating actions such as chewing and speaking. The temporal bones also encase the middle and inner ear, where sound waves are translated into nerve impulses, allowing the brain to interpret sounds. Additionally, they play a role in the formation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull, conjoining the skeletal and muscular systems for movement.

Location

Located bilaterally, the temporal bones are found at the lower sides of the skull, connecting to the parietal bones above and forming part of the cranium's floor. Each temporal bone is composed of several parts. The squamous part lies flat and connects with the parietal bone, while the mastoid portion is positioned posteriorly and contains the mastoid process. The tympanic part surrounds the external auditory canal, while the petrous part, known for its solid, dense structure, contains both the cochlea and the vestibular apparatus of the inner ear. Overall, the temporal bones contribute to both the stability of the skull and the housing of essential auditory components.

Did You Know?

The temporal bones are the only bones in the skull that contain the structures responsible for hearing and balance.
The mastoid process can be felt just behind the ear and is where several muscles attach, influencing head and neck movement.
In ancient cultures, the temporal region of the skull was often studied in connection with the understanding of hearing and communication.