Anatomy test on the temporal fossa and its contents

1. The medial wall (floor) of the temporal fossa is formed by the following bony structures:

• Mastoid process, occipital bone, parietal bone

  The floor of the temporal fossa is formed by four bones: squamous part of the temporal, parietal, frontal, and the temporal surface of the greater wing of the sphenoid.

• Greater wing of the sphenoid bone, zygomatic bone, maxilla

  The floor of the temporal fossa is formed by four bones: squamous part of the temporal, parietal, frontal, and the temporal surface of the greater wing of the sphenoid.

• Squamous part of the temporal bone, greater wing of the sphenoid bone, frontal and parietal bones

  The floor of the temporal fossa is formed by four bones: squamous part of the temporal, parietal, frontal, and the temporal surface of the greater wing of the sphenoid.

• Lesser wing of the sphenoid bone, frontal bone, ethmoid bone

  The floor of the temporal fossa is formed by four bones: squamous part of the temporal, parietal, frontal, and the temporal surface of the greater wing of the sphenoid.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The floor of the temporal fossa is formed by four bones: squamous part of the temporal, parietal, frontal, and the temporal surface of the greater wing of the sphenoid.

2. The lower boundary of the temporal fossa, separating it from the infratemporal fossa, is:

• Infratemporal crest of the sphenoid bone

  The infratemporal crest (crista infratemporalis) of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone serves as the boundary between the temporal and infratemporal fossae.

• Superior nuchal line

  The infratemporal crest (crista infratemporalis) of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone serves as the boundary between the temporal and infratemporal fossae.

• Inferior orbital fissure

  The infratemporal crest (crista infratemporalis) of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone serves as the boundary between the temporal and infratemporal fossae.

• Pterygomaxillary fissure

  The infratemporal crest (crista infratemporalis) of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone serves as the boundary between the temporal and infratemporal fossae.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The infratemporal crest (crista infratemporalis) of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone serves as the boundary between the temporal and infratemporal fossae.

3. Which muscle is located in the temporal fossa and fills it?

• Masseter muscle

  The temporalis muscle (m. temporalis) originates from the bones forming the floor of the temporal fossa and the deep layer of the temporal fascia, completely filling this fossa.

• Medial pterygoid muscle

  The temporalis muscle (m. temporalis) originates from the bones forming the floor of the temporal fossa and the deep layer of the temporal fascia, completely filling this fossa.

• Lateral pterygoid muscle

  The temporalis muscle (m. temporalis) originates from the bones forming the floor of the temporal fossa and the deep layer of the temporal fascia, completely filling this fossa.

• Temporalis muscle

  The temporalis muscle (m. temporalis) originates from the bones forming the floor of the temporal fossa and the deep layer of the temporal fascia, completely filling this fossa.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The temporalis muscle (m. temporalis) originates from the bones forming the floor of the temporal fossa and the deep layer of the temporal fascia, completely filling this fossa.

4. The deep temporal nerves (nn. temporales profundi), providing motor innervation to the temporal muscle, are branches of:

• Maxillary nerve

  The deep temporal nerves arise from the motor portion of the mandibular nerve (V3) - the third branch of the trigeminal nerve.

• Mandibular nerve

  The deep temporal nerves arise from the motor portion of the mandibular nerve (V3) - the third branch of the trigeminal nerve.

• Facial nerve

  The deep temporal nerves arise from the motor portion of the mandibular nerve (V3) - the third branch of the trigeminal nerve.

• Ophthalmic nerve

  The deep temporal nerves arise from the motor portion of the mandibular nerve (V3) - the third branch of the trigeminal nerve.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The deep temporal nerves arise from the motor portion of the mandibular nerve (V3) - the third branch of the trigeminal nerve.

5. Which branch of the superficial temporal artery supplies the temporal fascia and temporalis muscle, piercing the fascia?

• Anterior deep temporal artery

  The middle temporal artery (a. temporalis media) originates from the superficial temporal artery, piercing the temporal fascia and supplying the temporalis muscle.

• Transverse facial artery

  The middle temporal artery (a. temporalis media) originates from the superficial temporal artery, piercing the temporal fascia and supplying the temporalis muscle.

• Middle temporal artery

  The middle temporal artery (a. temporalis media) originates from the superficial temporal artery, piercing the temporal fascia and supplying the temporalis muscle.

• Zygomaticoorbital artery

  The middle temporal artery (a. temporalis media) originates from the superficial temporal artery, piercing the temporal fascia and supplying the temporalis muscle.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The middle temporal artery (a. temporalis media) originates from the superficial temporal artery, piercing the temporal fascia and supplying the temporalis muscle.

6. The deep temporal arteries (aa. temporales profundae anterior et posterior) branch directly from:

• Maxillary artery

  The deep temporal arteries are branches of the pterygoid section of the maxillary artery (a. maxillaris) and ascend to the temporal fossa.

• Internal carotid artery

  The deep temporal arteries are branches of the pterygoid section of the maxillary artery (a. maxillaris) and ascend to the temporal fossa.

• Superficial temporal artery

  The deep temporal arteries are branches of the pterygoid section of the maxillary artery (a. maxillaris) and ascend to the temporal fossa.

• Facial artery

  The deep temporal arteries are branches of the pterygoid section of the maxillary artery (a. maxillaris) and ascend to the temporal fossa.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The deep temporal arteries are branches of the pterygoid section of the maxillary artery (a. maxillaris) and ascend to the temporal fossa.

7. The temporal fascia (fascia temporalis) attaches superiorly to:

• Inferior temporal line

  The temporal fascia starts superiorly from the superior temporal line (linea temporalis superior) of the frontal and parietal bones.

• Sagittal suture

  The temporal fascia starts superiorly from the superior temporal line (linea temporalis superior) of the frontal and parietal bones.

• Zygomatic arch

  The temporal fascia starts superiorly from the superior temporal line (linea temporalis superior) of the frontal and parietal bones.

• Superior temporal line

  The temporal fascia starts superiorly from the superior temporal line (linea temporalis superior) of the frontal and parietal bones.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The temporal fascia starts superiorly from the superior temporal line (linea temporalis superior) of the frontal and parietal bones.

8. In the lower third, the temporal fascia splits into superficial and deep sheets. Where do they attach?

• To the coronoid process of the mandible

  The superficial sheet of the fascia attaches to the outer surface of the zygomatic arch, while the deep sheet attaches to its inner surface, forming a closed space.

• To the outer and inner surfaces of the zygomatic arch

  The superficial sheet of the fascia attaches to the outer surface of the zygomatic arch, while the deep sheet attaches to its inner surface, forming a closed space.

• To the infratemporal crest

  The superficial sheet of the fascia attaches to the outer surface of the zygomatic arch, while the deep sheet attaches to its inner surface, forming a closed space.

• To the condylar process of the mandible

  The superficial sheet of the fascia attaches to the outer surface of the zygomatic arch, while the deep sheet attaches to its inner surface, forming a closed space.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The superficial sheet of the fascia attaches to the outer surface of the zygomatic arch, while the deep sheet attaches to its inner surface, forming a closed space.

9. Which structure pierces the temporal fascia for sensory innervation of the skin of the temporal region?

• Zygomaticotemporal nerve

  The zygomaticotemporal nerve (n. zygomaticotemporalis), a branch of the zygomatic nerve, pierces the temporal bone and fascia, innervating the skin of the anterior part of the temporal region.

• Auriculotemporal nerve

  The zygomaticotemporal nerve (n. zygomaticotemporalis), a branch of the zygomatic nerve, pierces the temporal bone and fascia, innervating the skin of the anterior part of the temporal region.

• Supraorbital nerve

  The zygomaticotemporal nerve (n. zygomaticotemporalis), a branch of the zygomatic nerve, pierces the temporal bone and fascia, innervating the skin of the anterior part of the temporal region.

• Temporal branch of the facial nerve

  The zygomaticotemporal nerve (n. zygomaticotemporalis), a branch of the zygomatic nerve, pierces the temporal bone and fascia, innervating the skin of the anterior part of the temporal region.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The zygomaticotemporal nerve (n. zygomaticotemporalis), a branch of the zygomatic nerve, pierces the temporal bone and fascia, innervating the skin of the anterior part of the temporal region.

10. The anterior wall of the temporal fossa is formed by:

• Pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone

  The anterior wall of the temporal fossa is formed by the temporal surface of the zygomatic bone and the zygomatic process of the frontal bone.

• Maxillary tuberosity

  The anterior wall of the temporal fossa is formed by the temporal surface of the zygomatic bone and the zygomatic process of the frontal bone.

• Temporal surface of the zygomatic bone and zygomatic process of the frontal bone

  The anterior wall of the temporal fossa is formed by the temporal surface of the zygomatic bone and the zygomatic process of the frontal bone.

• Styloid process of the temporal bone

  The anterior wall of the temporal fossa is formed by the temporal surface of the zygomatic bone and the zygomatic process of the frontal bone.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The anterior wall of the temporal fossa is formed by the temporal surface of the zygomatic bone and the zygomatic process of the frontal bone.

11. What is the craniometrical point on the floor of the temporal fossa where the frontal, parietal, temporal, and sphenoid bones converge called?

• Asterion

  Pterion (pterion) is an area on the lateral surface of the skull in the temporal fossa where four bones meet. It is an important topographical landmark.

• Pterion

  Pterion (pterion) is an area on the lateral surface of the skull in the temporal fossa where four bones meet. It is an important topographical landmark.

• Bregma

  Pterion (pterion) is an area on the lateral surface of the skull in the temporal fossa where four bones meet. It is an important topographical landmark.

• Lambda

  Pterion (pterion) is an area on the lateral surface of the skull in the temporal fossa where four bones meet. It is an important topographical landmark.

• I find it difficult to answer

  Pterion (pterion) is an area on the lateral surface of the skull in the temporal fossa where four bones meet. It is an important topographical landmark.

12. To which anatomical structure of the mandible does the tendon of the temporalis muscle attach?

• Condyle process.

  The temporalis muscle descends beneath the zygomatic arch and attaches with a powerful tendon to the coronoid process (processus coronoideus) of the mandible.

• Angle of the mandible.

  The temporalis muscle descends beneath the zygomatic arch and attaches with a powerful tendon to the coronoid process (processus coronoideus) of the mandible.

• Pterygoid fossa

  The temporalis muscle descends beneath the zygomatic arch and attaches with a powerful tendon to the coronoid process (processus coronoideus) of the mandible.

• Coronoid process

  The temporalis muscle descends beneath the zygomatic arch and attaches with a powerful tendon to the coronoid process (processus coronoideus) of the mandible.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The temporalis muscle descends beneath the zygomatic arch and attaches with a powerful tendon to the coronoid process (processus coronoideus) of the mandible.

13. Which venous plexus has direct anastomoses with the veins of the temporal fossa (specifically, deep temporal veins)?

• Pterygoid venous plexus

  Deep temporal veins drain into the pterygoid venous plexus (plexus venosus pterygoideus), located in the infratemporal fossa.

• Pharyngeal venous plexus

  Deep temporal veins drain into the pterygoid venous plexus (plexus venosus pterygoideus), located in the infratemporal fossa.

• Suboccipital venous plexus

  Deep temporal veins drain into the pterygoid venous plexus (plexus venosus pterygoideus), located in the infratemporal fossa.

• Vertebral venous plexus

  Deep temporal veins drain into the pterygoid venous plexus (plexus venosus pterygoideus), located in the infratemporal fossa.

• I find it difficult to answer

  Deep temporal veins drain into the pterygoid venous plexus (plexus venosus pterygoideus), located in the infratemporal fossa.

14. What fills the interaponeurotic space between the superficial and deep leaves of the temporal fascia over the zygomatic arch?

• Cerebrospinal fluid

  Between the superficial and deep leaves of the temporal fascia is the interaponeurotic fat space.

• Lymph nodes

  Between the superficial and deep leaves of the temporal fascia is the interaponeurotic fat space.

• Fatty tissue (interaponeurotic fat)

  Between the superficial and deep leaves of the temporal fascia is the interaponeurotic fat space.

• Belly of the temporalis muscle

  Between the superficial and deep leaves of the temporal fascia is the interaponeurotic fat space.

• I find it difficult to answer

  Between the superficial and deep leaves of the temporal fascia is the interaponeurotic fat space.

15. Which artery passes on the internal (cerebral) surface of the skull in the projection in the pterion zone, having significant topographic-anatomical significance?

• Middle cerebral artery

  The middle meningeal artery (a. meningea media) and its anterior branch pass along the inner surface of the skull in the projection of the pterion (floor of the temporal fossa).

• Superficial temporal artery

  The middle meningeal artery (a. meningea media) and its anterior branch pass along the inner surface of the skull in the projection of the pterion (floor of the temporal fossa).

• Posterior deep temporal artery

  The middle meningeal artery (a. meningea media) and its anterior branch pass along the inner surface of the skull in the projection of the pterion (floor of the temporal fossa).

• Middle meningeal artery

  The middle meningeal artery (a. meningea media) and its anterior branch pass along the inner surface of the skull in the projection of the pterion (floor of the temporal fossa).

• I find it difficult to answer

  The middle meningeal artery (a. meningea media) and its anterior branch pass along the inner surface of the skull in the projection of the pterion (floor of the temporal fossa).

16. With which topographic-anatomical space does the temporal fossa directly communicate inferiorly (beneath the zygomatic arch)?

• Pterygopalatine fossa

  The temporal fossa inferiorly transitions freely into the infratemporal fossa through an opening bounded medially by the infratemporal crest and laterally by the zygomatic arch.

• Infratemporal fossa

  The temporal fossa inferiorly transitions freely into the infratemporal fossa through an opening bounded medially by the infratemporal crest and laterally by the zygomatic arch.

• Orbit

  The temporal fossa inferiorly transitions freely into the infratemporal fossa through an opening bounded medially by the infratemporal crest and laterally by the zygomatic arch.

• Nasal cavity

  The temporal fossa inferiorly transitions freely into the infratemporal fossa through an opening bounded medially by the infratemporal crest and laterally by the zygomatic arch.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The temporal fossa inferiorly transitions freely into the infratemporal fossa through an opening bounded medially by the infratemporal crest and laterally by the zygomatic arch.

17. Where does lymph drainage predominantly occur from the structures of the temporal fossa (temporalis muscle and fascia)?

• Parotid and deep cervical lymph nodes

  Lymphatic vessels from the temporal fossa proceed to the deep parotid nodes (nodi lymphatici parotidei) and further into the deep cervical lymph nodes.

• Occipital lymph nodes

  Lymphatic vessels from the temporal fossa proceed to the deep parotid nodes (nodi lymphatici parotidei) and further into the deep cervical lymph nodes.

• Submental lymph nodes

  Lymphatic vessels from the temporal fossa proceed to the deep parotid nodes (nodi lymphatici parotidei) and further into the deep cervical lymph nodes.

• Supraclavicular lymph nodes

  Lymphatic vessels from the temporal fossa proceed to the deep parotid nodes (nodi lymphatici parotidei) and further into the deep cervical lymph nodes.

• I find it difficult to answer

  Lymphatic vessels from the temporal fossa proceed to the deep parotid nodes (nodi lymphatici parotidei) and further into the deep cervical lymph nodes.

18. The deep temporal fat pad (subaponeurotic adipose tissue of the temporal fossa) extends directly into:

• Subcutaneous adipose tissue of the neck

  The subaponeurotic adipose tissue of the temporal fossa descends into the infratemporal fossa and has a direct connection with the buccal fat pad (corpus adiposum buccae).

• Adipose tissue of the orbit

  The subaponeurotic adipose tissue of the temporal fossa descends into the infratemporal fossa and has a direct connection with the buccal fat pad (corpus adiposum buccae).

• Peripharyngeal adipose tissue

  The subaponeurotic adipose tissue of the temporal fossa descends into the infratemporal fossa and has a direct connection with the buccal fat pad (corpus adiposum buccae).

• Buccal fat pad (Bichat's fat pad)

  The subaponeurotic adipose tissue of the temporal fossa descends into the infratemporal fossa and has a direct connection with the buccal fat pad (corpus adiposum buccae).

• I find it difficult to answer

  The subaponeurotic adipose tissue of the temporal fossa descends into the infratemporal fossa and has a direct connection with the buccal fat pad (corpus adiposum buccae).

19. The temporal branches of the facial nerve (rami temporales n. facialis) cross the temporal region for motor innervation of:

• Temporalis muscle

  The temporal branches of the facial nerve provide innervation to the facial expression muscles: the frontal belly of the occipitofrontalis muscle, the orbicularis oculi muscle, and the corrugator supercilii muscle.

• Masseter muscle

  The temporal branches of the facial nerve provide innervation to the facial expression muscles: the frontal belly of the occipitofrontalis muscle, the orbicularis oculi muscle, and the corrugator supercilii muscle.

• Facial expression muscles of the upper face

  The temporal branches of the facial nerve provide innervation to the facial expression muscles: the frontal belly of the occipitofrontalis muscle, the orbicularis oculi muscle, and the corrugator supercilii muscle.

• Extraocular muscles

  The temporal branches of the facial nerve provide innervation to the facial expression muscles: the frontal belly of the occipitofrontalis muscle, the orbicularis oculi muscle, and the corrugator supercilii muscle.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The temporal branches of the facial nerve provide innervation to the facial expression muscles: the frontal belly of the occipitofrontalis muscle, the orbicularis oculi muscle, and the corrugator supercilii muscle.

20. Which nerve accompanies the superficial temporal vessels, situated anterior to the auricle in the subcutaneous tissue?

• Great auricular nerve

  The auriculotemporal nerve (n. auriculotemporalis), a branch of V3, emerges from behind the mandibular condylar process and ascends into the temporal region alongside the superficial temporal artery.

• Auriculotemporal nerve

  The auriculotemporal nerve (n. auriculotemporalis), a branch of V3, emerges from behind the mandibular condylar process and ascends into the temporal region alongside the superficial temporal artery.

• Lesser occipital nerve

  The auriculotemporal nerve (n. auriculotemporalis), a branch of V3, emerges from behind the mandibular condylar process and ascends into the temporal region alongside the superficial temporal artery.

• Facial nerve

  The auriculotemporal nerve (n. auriculotemporalis), a branch of V3, emerges from behind the mandibular condylar process and ascends into the temporal region alongside the superficial temporal artery.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The auriculotemporal nerve (n. auriculotemporalis), a branch of V3, emerges from behind the mandibular condylar process and ascends into the temporal region alongside the superficial temporal artery.