Temporal bone anatomy quiz

Quiz on the normal anatomy of the temporal bone: parts, canals, foramina, articular surfaces, and topographic relationships.

1/20

1. What parts can be distinguished in the temporal bone?

Squamous, tympanic, and petrous

The temporal bone consists of 3 main parts: squamous (pars squamosa), tympanic (pars tympanica), and petrous (pars petrosa). The orbital, nasal, and ethmoidal parts do not belong to the temporal bone.
Squamous, orbital, tympanic, and mastoid

The temporal bone consists of 3 main parts: squamous (pars squamosa), tympanic (pars tympanica), and petrous (pars petrosa). The orbital, nasal, and ethmoidal parts do not belong to the temporal bone.
Squamous, nasal, petrous, and tympanic

The temporal bone consists of 3 main parts: squamous (pars squamosa), tympanic (pars tympanica), and petrous (pars petrosa). The orbital, nasal, and ethmoidal parts do not belong to the temporal bone.
Orbital, petrous, mastoid, and ethmoidal

The temporal bone consists of 3 main parts: squamous (pars squamosa), tympanic (pars tympanica), and petrous (pars petrosa). The orbital, nasal, and ethmoidal parts do not belong to the temporal bone.
I find it difficult to answer

The temporal bone consists of 3 main parts: squamous (pars squamosa), tympanic (pars tympanica), and petrous (pars petrosa). The orbital, nasal, and ethmoidal parts do not belong to the temporal bone.

2. Which canal passes through the petrous part of the temporal bone and contains the facial nerve?

Carotid canal

Canalis facialis (facial canal) passes within the petrous part and contains the facial nerve (n. facialis, cranial nerve VII).
Musculotubal canal

Canalis facialis (facial canal) passes within the petrous part and contains the facial nerve (n. facialis, cranial nerve VII).
Facial canal

Canalis facialis (facial canal) passes within the petrous part and contains the facial nerve (n. facialis, cranial nerve VII).
Tympanic canaliculus

Canalis facialis (facial canal) passes within the petrous part and contains the facial nerve (n. facialis, cranial nerve VII).
I find it difficult to answer

Canalis facialis (facial canal) passes within the petrous part and contains the facial nerve (n. facialis, cranial nerve VII).

3. Where is the external opening of the carotid canal (canalis caroticus) located?

On the superior surface of the petrous part

The external opening of canalis caroticus opens on the inferior surface (facies inferior) of the petrous part of the temporal bone, anteverted to the fossa for the jugular vein.
On the inferior surface of the petrous part

The external opening of canalis caroticus opens on the inferior surface (facies inferior) of the petrous part of the temporal bone, anteverted to the fossa for the jugular vein.
On the posterior surface of the petrous part

The external opening of canalis caroticus opens on the inferior surface (facies inferior) of the petrous part of the temporal bone, anteverted to the fossa for the jugular vein.
On the mastoid process

The external opening of canalis caroticus opens on the inferior surface (facies inferior) of the petrous part of the temporal bone, anteverted to the fossa for the jugular vein.
I find it difficult to answer

The external opening of canalis caroticus opens on the inferior surface (facies inferior) of the petrous part of the temporal bone, anteverted to the fossa for the jugular vein.

4. Which structure of the temporal bone participates in the formation of the temporomandibular joint?

Fossa mandibularis and processus mastoideus

On the temporal bone side, the temporomandibular joint is formed by the mandibular fossa (fossa mandibularis) and articular tubercle (tuberculum articulare) of the squamous part. Processus mastoideus and fissura petrotympanica do not participate in the joint.
Fossa mandibularis and tuberculum articulare

On the temporal bone side, the temporomandibular joint is formed by the mandibular fossa (fossa mandibularis) and articular tubercle (tuberculum articulare) of the squamous part. Processus mastoideus and fissura petrotympanica do not participate in the joint.
Incisura mastoidea and tuberculum articulare

On the temporal bone side, the temporomandibular joint is formed by the mandibular fossa (fossa mandibularis) and articular tubercle (tuberculum articulare) of the squamous part. Processus mastoideus and fissura petrotympanica do not participate in the joint.
Fissura petrotympanica and tuberculum articulare

On the temporal bone side, the temporomandibular joint is formed by the mandibular fossa (fossa mandibularis) and articular tubercle (tuberculum articulare) of the squamous part. Processus mastoideus and fissura petrotympanica do not participate in the joint.
I find it difficult to answer

On the temporal bone side, the temporomandibular joint is formed by the mandibular fossa (fossa mandibularis) and articular tubercle (tuberculum articulare) of the squamous part. Processus mastoideus and fissura petrotympanica do not participate in the joint.

5. Why is the petrous part of the temporal bone (pars petrosa) also called the pyramid in anatomy?

Because of its three-sided shape, resembling a triangular pyramid with an apex and a base

The petrous part (pars petrosa) is called the pyramid because of its characteristic spatial geometric shape: it comprises a triangular pyramid, the apex of which is directed anteriorly and medially (toward the sphenoid bone), while the base (basis) faces posteriorly and laterally and continues into the mastoid process.
Because of the step-like serrations on its internal surface

The petrous part (pars petrosa) is called the pyramid because of its characteristic spatial geometric shape: it comprises a triangular pyramid, the apex of which is directed anteriorly and medially (toward the sphenoid bone), while the base (basis) faces posteriorly and laterally and continues into the mastoid process.
Because of the pyramidal processes arising from its base toward the sphenoid bone

The petrous part (pars petrosa) is called the pyramid because of its characteristic spatial geometric shape: it comprises a triangular pyramid, the apex of which is directed anteriorly and medially (toward the sphenoid bone), while the base (basis) faces posteriorly and laterally and continues into the mastoid process.
The name was historically given in honor of the Egyptian pyramids because of the particular density of the bone

The petrous part (pars petrosa) is called the pyramid because of its characteristic spatial geometric shape: it comprises a triangular pyramid, the apex of which is directed anteriorly and medially (toward the sphenoid bone), while the base (basis) faces posteriorly and laterally and continues into the mastoid process.
I find it difficult to answer

The petrous part (pars petrosa) is called the pyramid because of its characteristic spatial geometric shape: it comprises a triangular pyramid, the apex of which is directed anteriorly and medially (toward the sphenoid bone), while the base (basis) faces posteriorly and laterally and continues into the mastoid process.

6. How many bends does the facial canal (canalis facialis) form as it passes through the pyramid of the temporal bone?

3

The facial canal (canalis facialis) forms 2 bends in the pyramid of the temporal bone.
1

The facial canal (canalis facialis) forms 2 bends in the pyramid of the temporal bone.
2

The facial canal (canalis facialis) forms 2 bends in the pyramid of the temporal bone.
4

The facial canal (canalis facialis) forms 2 bends in the pyramid of the temporal bone.
I find it difficult to answer

The facial canal (canalis facialis) forms 2 bends in the pyramid of the temporal bone.

7. Which opening is located on the posterior surface of the petrous part and serves as the entrance to the internal acoustic meatus?

External aperture of the vestibular aqueduct

Porus acusticus internus (internal acoustic opening) is located on the posterior surface of the petrous part and is the entrance to the internal acoustic meatus (meatus acusticus internus), through which cranial nerves VII and VIII and the labyrinthine vessels pass.
Internal acoustic opening

Porus acusticus internus (internal acoustic opening) is located on the posterior surface of the petrous part and is the entrance to the internal acoustic meatus (meatus acusticus internus), through which cranial nerves VII and VIII and the labyrinthine vessels pass.
Jugular foramen

Porus acusticus internus (internal acoustic opening) is located on the posterior surface of the petrous part and is the entrance to the internal acoustic meatus (meatus acusticus internus), through which cranial nerves VII and VIII and the labyrinthine vessels pass.
External aperture of the cochlear canaliculus

Porus acusticus internus (internal acoustic opening) is located on the posterior surface of the petrous part and is the entrance to the internal acoustic meatus (meatus acusticus internus), through which cranial nerves VII and VIII and the labyrinthine vessels pass.
I find it difficult to answer

Porus acusticus internus (internal acoustic opening) is located on the posterior surface of the petrous part and is the entrance to the internal acoustic meatus (meatus acusticus internus), through which cranial nerves VII and VIII and the labyrinthine vessels pass.

8. Into which two semicanals is the musculotubal canal (canalis musculotubarius) of the temporal bone divided?

Semicanal for the chorda tympani and semicanal for the facial nerve

Canalis musculotubarius is divided by a bony septum (septum canalis musculotubarii) into two semicanals: the superior semicanal for the tensor tympani muscle (semicanalis musculi tensoris tympani) and the inferior semicanal for the auditory tube (semicanalis tubae auditivae).
Semicanal for the tensor tympani muscle and semicanal for the auditory tube

Canalis musculotubarius is divided by a bony septum (septum canalis musculotubarii) into two semicanals: the superior semicanal for the tensor tympani muscle (semicanalis musculi tensoris tympani) and the inferior semicanal for the auditory tube (semicanalis tubae auditivae).
Semicanal for the stapedius muscle and semicanal for the carotid artery

Canalis musculotubarius is divided by a bony septum (septum canalis musculotubarii) into two semicanals: the superior semicanal for the tensor tympani muscle (semicanalis musculi tensoris tympani) and the inferior semicanal for the auditory tube (semicanalis tubae auditivae).
Superior and inferior petrous semicanals

Canalis musculotubarius is divided by a bony septum (septum canalis musculotubarii) into two semicanals: the superior semicanal for the tensor tympani muscle (semicanalis musculi tensoris tympani) and the inferior semicanal for the auditory tube (semicanalis tubae auditivae).
I find it difficult to answer

Canalis musculotubarius is divided by a bony septum (septum canalis musculotubarii) into two semicanals: the superior semicanal for the tensor tympani muscle (semicanalis musculi tensoris tympani) and the inferior semicanal for the auditory tube (semicanalis tubae auditivae).

9. Where is foramen stylomastoideum located?

Between the styloid and mastoid processes on the inferior surface of the temporal bone

Foramen stylomastoideum is located on the inferior surface of the skull (external cranial base) between processus styloideus and processus mastoideus.
On the superior surface of the petrous part, anteverted to the arch

Foramen stylomastoideum is located on the inferior surface of the skull (external cranial base) between processus styloideus and processus mastoideus.
On the posterior surface of the petrous part, inferior to porus acusticus internus

Foramen stylomastoideum is located on the inferior surface of the skull (external cranial base) between processus styloideus and processus mastoideus.
Deep within fossa mandibularis

Foramen stylomastoideum is located on the inferior surface of the skull (external cranial base) between processus styloideus and processus mastoideus.
I find it difficult to answer

Foramen stylomastoideum is located on the inferior surface of the skull (external cranial base) between processus styloideus and processus mastoideus.

10. What is the surface of the petrous part facing the middle cranial fossa called?

Inferior surface of the petrous part

Facies anterior partis petrosae faces superiorly and anteriorly and forms part of the floor of the middle cranial fossa. Facies posterior faces the posterior cranial fossa, while facies inferior faces the external cranial base.
Posterior surface of the petrous part

Facies anterior partis petrosae faces superiorly and anteriorly and forms part of the floor of the middle cranial fossa. Facies posterior faces the posterior cranial fossa, while facies inferior faces the external cranial base.
Anterior surface of the petrous part

Facies anterior partis petrosae faces superiorly and anteriorly and forms part of the floor of the middle cranial fossa. Facies posterior faces the posterior cranial fossa, while facies inferior faces the external cranial base.
Cerebral surface of the squamous part

Facies anterior partis petrosae faces superiorly and anteriorly and forms part of the floor of the middle cranial fossa. Facies posterior faces the posterior cranial fossa, while facies inferior faces the external cranial base.
I find it difficult to answer

Facies anterior partis petrosae faces superiorly and anteriorly and forms part of the floor of the middle cranial fossa. Facies posterior faces the posterior cranial fossa, while facies inferior faces the external cranial base.

11. What is tegmen tympani?

Medial wall of the tympanic cavity

Tegmen tympani is a thin bony plate on the anterior surface of the petrous part that forms the roof (superior wall) of the tympanic cavity and separates it from the middle cranial fossa.
A thin bony plate forming the roof of the tympanic cavity

Tegmen tympani is a thin bony plate on the anterior surface of the petrous part that forms the roof (superior wall) of the tympanic cavity and separates it from the middle cranial fossa.
Posterior wall of the tympanic cavity

Tegmen tympani is a thin bony plate on the anterior surface of the petrous part that forms the roof (superior wall) of the tympanic cavity and separates it from the middle cranial fossa.
Inferior wall of the tympanic cavity

Tegmen tympani is a thin bony plate on the anterior surface of the petrous part that forms the roof (superior wall) of the tympanic cavity and separates it from the middle cranial fossa.
I find it difficult to answer

Tegmen tympani is a thin bony plate on the anterior surface of the petrous part that forms the roof (superior wall) of the tympanic cavity and separates it from the middle cranial fossa.

12. Which depression is located on the inferior surface of the petrous part and serves as a bed for the bulb of the jugular vein?

Subarcuate fossa

Fossa jugularis (fossa for the jugular vein) is located on the inferior surface of the petrous part and serves as a bed for the superior bulb of the jugular vein. Fossa subarcuata is a fossa beneath the arcuate eminence on the posterior surface; sulcus sinus petrosi inferioris is the groove for the inferior petrosal sinus.
Jugular fossa

Fossa jugularis (fossa for the jugular vein) is located on the inferior surface of the petrous part and serves as a bed for the superior bulb of the jugular vein. Fossa subarcuata is a fossa beneath the arcuate eminence on the posterior surface; sulcus sinus petrosi inferioris is the groove for the inferior petrosal sinus.
Groove for the inferior petrosal sinus

Fossa jugularis (fossa for the jugular vein) is located on the inferior surface of the petrous part and serves as a bed for the superior bulb of the jugular vein. Fossa subarcuata is a fossa beneath the arcuate eminence on the posterior surface; sulcus sinus petrosi inferioris is the groove for the inferior petrosal sinus.
Jugular notch

Fossa jugularis (fossa for the jugular vein) is located on the inferior surface of the petrous part and serves as a bed for the superior bulb of the jugular vein. Fossa subarcuata is a fossa beneath the arcuate eminence on the posterior surface; sulcus sinus petrosi inferioris is the groove for the inferior petrosal sinus.
I find it difficult to answer

Fossa jugularis (fossa for the jugular vein) is located on the inferior surface of the petrous part and serves as a bed for the superior bulb of the jugular vein. Fossa subarcuata is a fossa beneath the arcuate eminence on the posterior surface; sulcus sinus petrosi inferioris is the groove for the inferior petrosal sinus.

13. What is processus styloideus?

A process of the squamous part giving origin to m. Temporal

Processus styloideus is a thin, pointed bony process of the inferior surface of the petrous part from which muscles and ligaments originate.
A thin, pointed process of the inferior surface of the petrous part, serving as an attachment site for muscles and ligaments

Processus styloideus is a thin, pointed bony process of the inferior surface of the petrous part from which muscles and ligaments originate.
A process of the mastoid part to which m. attaches. sternocleidomastoid

Processus styloideus is a thin, pointed bony process of the inferior surface of the petrous part from which muscles and ligaments originate.
An uncinate process for m. tensor veli palatini muscle

Processus styloideus is a thin, pointed bony process of the inferior surface of the petrous part from which muscles and ligaments originate.
I find it difficult to answer

Processus styloideus is a thin, pointed bony process of the inferior surface of the petrous part from which muscles and ligaments originate.

14. Which groove on the internal surface of the squamous part corresponds to a branch of the middle meningeal artery?

Groove for the sigmoid sinus

Sulci arteriae meningeae mediae—tree-like grooves for branches of the middle meningeal artery—are well defined on the cerebral (internal) surface of the squamous part.
Groove for the transverse sinus

Sulci arteriae meningeae mediae—tree-like grooves for branches of the middle meningeal artery—are well defined on the cerebral (internal) surface of the squamous part.
Groove for the middle meningeal artery

Sulci arteriae meningeae mediae—tree-like grooves for branches of the middle meningeal artery—are well defined on the cerebral (internal) surface of the squamous part.
Groove for the superior petrosal sinus

Sulci arteriae meningeae mediae—tree-like grooves for branches of the middle meningeal artery—are well defined on the cerebral (internal) surface of the squamous part.
I find it difficult to answer

Sulci arteriae meningeae mediae—tree-like grooves for branches of the middle meningeal artery—are well defined on the cerebral (internal) surface of the squamous part.

15. Where is hiatus canalis nervi petrosi majoris located?

On the inferior surface of the petrous part near foramen lacerum

Hiatus canalis nervi petrosi majoris opens on the anterior surface of the petrous part, medially and anteverted to hiatus canalis nervi petrosi minoris. The greater petrosal nerve (n. petrosus major), a branch of the facial nerve, exits through it.
On the posterior surface of the petrous part, medial to porus acusticus internus

Hiatus canalis nervi petrosi majoris opens on the anterior surface of the petrous part, medially and anteverted to hiatus canalis nervi petrosi minoris. The greater petrosal nerve (n. petrosus major), a branch of the facial nerve, exits through it.
On the anterior surface of the petrous part, lateral to hiatus canalis nervi petrosi minoris

Hiatus canalis nervi petrosi majoris opens on the anterior surface of the petrous part, medially and anteverted to hiatus canalis nervi petrosi minoris. The greater petrosal nerve (n. petrosus major), a branch of the facial nerve, exits through it.
On the anterior surface of the petrous part, medial to hiatus canalis nervi petrosi minoris

Hiatus canalis nervi petrosi majoris opens on the anterior surface of the petrous part, medially and anteverted to hiatus canalis nervi petrosi minoris. The greater petrosal nerve (n. petrosus major), a branch of the facial nerve, exits through it.
I find it difficult to answer

Hiatus canalis nervi petrosi majoris opens on the anterior surface of the petrous part, medially and anteverted to hiatus canalis nervi petrosi minoris. The greater petrosal nerve (n. petrosus major), a branch of the facial nerve, exits through it.

16. Which key anatomical structures are located within the pyramid (petrous part) of the temporal bone?

Hypophysis and optic chiasm

Within the pyramid of the temporal bone are the bony and membranous labyrinths (internal ear) and the tympanic cavity (middle ear) with the auditory ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes).
Internal ear and middle ear

Within the pyramid of the temporal bone are the bony and membranous labyrinths (internal ear) and the tympanic cavity (middle ear) with the auditory ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes).
Cerebellum and medulla oblongata

Within the pyramid of the temporal bone are the bony and membranous labyrinths (internal ear) and the tympanic cavity (middle ear) with the auditory ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes).
Parotid gland

Within the pyramid of the temporal bone are the bony and membranous labyrinths (internal ear) and the tympanic cavity (middle ear) with the auditory ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes).
I find it difficult to answer

Within the pyramid of the temporal bone are the bony and membranous labyrinths (internal ear) and the tympanic cavity (middle ear) with the auditory ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes).

17. What is eminentia arcuata on the anterior surface of the petrous part?

An eminence corresponding to the projection of the posterior semicircular canal

Eminentia arcuata is an arcuate eminence on the anterior surface of the petrous part, formed by the underlying anterior (superior) semicircular canal of the membranous labyrinth. It is the anterior semicircular canal that forms this prominent eminence.
An eminence corresponding to the projection of the anterior (superior) semicircular canal

Eminentia arcuata is an arcuate eminence on the anterior surface of the petrous part, formed by the underlying anterior (superior) semicircular canal of the membranous labyrinth. It is the anterior semicircular canal that forms this prominent eminence.
An eminence corresponding to the tympanic canal

Eminentia arcuata is an arcuate eminence on the anterior surface of the petrous part, formed by the underlying anterior (superior) semicircular canal of the membranous labyrinth. It is the anterior semicircular canal that forms this prominent eminence.
An eminence over the bulb of the jugular vein

Eminentia arcuata is an arcuate eminence on the anterior surface of the petrous part, formed by the underlying anterior (superior) semicircular canal of the membranous labyrinth. It is the anterior semicircular canal that forms this prominent eminence.
I find it difficult to answer

Eminentia arcuata is an arcuate eminence on the anterior surface of the petrous part, formed by the underlying anterior (superior) semicircular canal of the membranous labyrinth. It is the anterior semicircular canal that forms this prominent eminence.

18. What is the internal structure of the mastoid process (processus mastoideus) of the temporal bone?

A system of air-filled bony cells (cellulae mastoideae)

Internally, the mastoid process is pneumatized (contains air). Its internal volume is filled with numerous air-filled cavities—the mastoid air cells (cellulae mastoideae).
Dense (compact) bone without internal cavities

Internally, the mastoid process is pneumatized (contains air). Its internal volume is filled with numerous air-filled cavities—the mastoid air cells (cellulae mastoideae).
Cancellous bone filled with red bone marrow

Internally, the mastoid process is pneumatized (contains air). Its internal volume is filled with numerous air-filled cavities—the mastoid air cells (cellulae mastoideae).
A single large cartilaginous cavity

Internally, the mastoid process is pneumatized (contains air). Its internal volume is filled with numerous air-filled cavities—the mastoid air cells (cellulae mastoideae).
I find it difficult to answer

Internally, the mastoid process is pneumatized (contains air). Its internal volume is filled with numerous air-filled cavities—the mastoid air cells (cellulae mastoideae).

19. Which structure is located in sulcus sinus sigmoidei?

Inferior petrosal sinus

Sulcus sinus sigmoidei is an S-shaped groove on the internal surface of the mastoid and petrous parts that contains the sigmoid venous sinus (sinus sigmoideus), which continues into the bulb of the internal jugular vein.
Sigmoid venous sinus

Sulcus sinus sigmoidei is an S-shaped groove on the internal surface of the mastoid and petrous parts that contains the sigmoid venous sinus (sinus sigmoideus), which continues into the bulb of the internal jugular vein.
Superior petrosal sinus

Sulcus sinus sigmoidei is an S-shaped groove on the internal surface of the mastoid and petrous parts that contains the sigmoid venous sinus (sinus sigmoideus), which continues into the bulb of the internal jugular vein.
Transverse venous sinus

Sulcus sinus sigmoidei is an S-shaped groove on the internal surface of the mastoid and petrous parts that contains the sigmoid venous sinus (sinus sigmoideus), which continues into the bulb of the internal jugular vein.
I find it difficult to answer

Sulcus sinus sigmoidei is an S-shaped groove on the internal surface of the mastoid and petrous parts that contains the sigmoid venous sinus (sinus sigmoideus), which continues into the bulb of the internal jugular vein.

20. Which opening on the posterior surface of the petrous part corresponds to the external opening of the vestibular aqueduct?

External aperture of the cochlear aqueduct

Apertura externa aqueductus vestibuli opens on the posterior surface of the petrous part, posterior and lateral to porus acusticus internus.
External aperture of the vestibular aqueduct

Apertura externa aqueductus vestibuli opens on the posterior surface of the petrous part, posterior and lateral to porus acusticus internus.
Internal acoustic opening

Apertura externa aqueductus vestibuli opens on the posterior surface of the petrous part, posterior and lateral to porus acusticus internus.
Subarcuate fossa

Apertura externa aqueductus vestibuli opens on the posterior surface of the petrous part, posterior and lateral to porus acusticus internus.
I find it difficult to answer

Apertura externa aqueductus vestibuli opens on the posterior surface of the petrous part, posterior and lateral to porus acusticus internus.