CT Temporal Bones (Anatomy) - Video Lesson

Hey everybody, welcome back. This lesson is about the temporal bones as seen in CT imaging. We'll start with a volume rendered image. There are two temporal bones, one on each side of the cranium that contribute to forming the inferior portions of the lateral skull. Each temporal bone has three significant processes, also called projections, that can be observed in this CT volume rendered image of the cranium. The zygomatic process is the most lateral projection of the temporal bone. This is called the zygomatic process because it articulates with the temporal process of the zygomatic bone to form the zygomatic arch. The mastoid process is a large round projection inferior and posterior to the ear that serves as an important point of muscle attachment. Specifically, the sternocleidomastoid muscle attaches to this process. The styloid process also extends from the inferior portion of the temporal bone and serves as a point of muscle attachment. It's called the styloid process because it's long and thin like a stylus or