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A to Z
of
Bones of The Skull
Dr A. L. Neill
BSc MSc MBBS PhD FACBS
medicalamanda@gmail.com
The
A to Z
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Bones of The Skull
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
Introduction
After the A to Z of Skeletal Muscles was released to my
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students (and later my colleagues with the help of Aspen),
I received some very valuable feedback from both. From this
feedback it became apparent that this format was helpful to all
in the health professional field. It was also apparent that there
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was a need for another pocket reference
book of this type on bones and
nerves. So as with the other book,
I have started with a prototype
examining the bones of one of the
a
most complex group in the body,
the SKULL.
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It is hoped that this proves to be as
useful as my first A to Z book, and
goes on to become a more
comprehensive but quick and simple reference
for all bones.
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Acknowledgement
I would like to thank Aspen Pharmacare Australia and
particularly Mr Greg Lam CEO and Mr Robert Koster Head of
Marketing and Sales for stepping in and giving me their
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Dedication
To MICKEY 390335, and to stopping pettiness, spite and
misinformation wherever it lies.
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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points, identifying individual bones, cavities, impressions and
surfaces and including common radiological views, with
explanatory diagrams, this book lists all the bones of the skull
in ALPHABETICAL order as far as possible. Images of the Skull
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“in situ” are also included.
Features are named using in the most familiar terms and those
agreed upon by anatomical nomenclature convention avoiding
eponymous terms wherever possible but as with all anatomical
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studies sometimes several terms are used to name the same
feature. Wherever this is common and to save confusion
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reference is made to each term. Similarly between disciplines
such as radiology and osteology as well as anatomy the same
view may be described several different ways,
so when this is also common and to
provide clarity these terms are mentioned.
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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several structures including joints of all kinds (e.g. sutures).
In other words the parietomastoid suture is listed as Parieto-
Mastoid suture to further remind the reader of the involved
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bones or bony features involved in the composition of the
structure. This helps to further orientate the reader to the
structural components of the feature.
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many uses such as: archeology, anthropology, chiropractic
dentistry, forensics, geology, medicine, orthopaedics, osteology,
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paleontology, paleobiology, physiotherapy and surgery. It is to
be a forerunner of a more complete listing of all bones from A
to Z and a more extensive development of other aspects of the
skull such as measurement markers, development milestones,
individual and ethnic variations -
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Thank you
Amanda Neill
BSc MSc MBBS PhD FACBS
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
Red spots indicate when there is an articulation or joint between the bones. Please note the hyoid does not articulate with any bones and the mandible
articulates at the only synovial joint in the skull- the TMJ -temporomandibular joint. All other joints are secondary cartilagenous bone-fibrocartilage-bone.
The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
Table of contents
Introduction 1
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Acknowledgement 1
Dedication 1
How to Use this book 2
Table of Articulations of the Skull 4
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Common Terms used in Osteology 7
Classification and summary of skull bones 12
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radiology - occipitofrontal (upper aspect)
radiology - occipitomental (lower aspect)
External Skull Inferior (Base of Skull) (norma basilaris)
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radiology - submentovertical view (view from below)
External Skull Lateral (norma lateralis)
radiology - lateral
External Skull Posterior (norma occipitalis)
External Skull Superior (norma verticularis)
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
Nasal bones
Occipital External, Internal
Palatine bones
Parietal External, Internal
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Sphenoid Anterior, Posterior
Sutural / Extrasutural bones - Incus
Temporal External, Inferior, Interior
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Vomer
Zygoma
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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Alveolus Air filled bone - tooth socket
Aperture An opening or space between bones or within a bone.
Areola Small, open spaces as in the areolar part of the Maxilla.
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Articulation Joint, which is a point of contact b/n 2 opposing bones.
Auditory Pertaining to hearing, hence, pertaining to the ear.
Axial Refers to the head and trunk (vertebrae, ribs and sternum) of the body.
Basilar Relating to the base or bottom of structures
Basiocranium Bones of the base of the skull
Boss
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A smooth round broad eminence - mainly in the Frontal bone
female > male
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Bregma Refers to a junction of more than 2 bones in a joint as in the Bregma
of the skull, junction between the coronal and sagittal sutures which in
the infant is not closed and can be felt pulsating - site of the anterior
fontanelle.
Calotte The calotte consists of the calvaria from which the base has been
removed.
Calvaria The calvaria refers to the cranium without the facial bones attached.
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Canal Tunnel / extended foramen as in the carotid canal at the base of the
skull adj,- canular (canicular - small canal)
Caput / Kaput The head or of a head, adj.- capitate = having a head
(c.f.decapitate)
Carotid To put to sleep; compression of the common or internal carotid artery
causes coma. This refers to bony points related to the Carotid vessels
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Cavity An open area or sinus within a bone or formed by two or more bones
(adj. cavernous), may be used interchangeably with fossa. Cavity
tends to be more enclosed fossa a shallower bowl like space (Orbital
fossa-Orbital cavity).
Cavum A cave.
Cephalic Pertaining to the head
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Clinoid Like a bed-post, part of a four poster bed so that clinoid process looks
like a bed post (generally with other posts) as in the Sphenoid bone.
Clivus A slope hence in the anterior cranial fossa referring to a slope on
the base of the cavity.
Cochlea A snail hence snail-like shape relating to the Organ of Corti in the ear.
Concha A shell shaped bone as in the ear or nose (pl. conchae adj.
chonchoid) old term for this turbinate.
Condyle A rounded enlargement or process possessing an articulating surface.
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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Cranium The cranium of the skull comprises all of the bones of the skull except
for the mandible.
Crest Prominent sharp thin ridge of bone formed by the attachment of
muscles particularly powerful ones eg Temporalis/Sagittal crest
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Cribiform / EthmoidA sieve or bone with small sieve-like holes.
Cuneate / Cuneus A wedge / wedge-shaped
Dens A tooth hence dentine and dental relating to teeth, denticulate having
tooth-like projections adj dentate See odontoid
Depression A concavity on a surface
Diaphysis The body of a long bone. In the young this is the region between the
Diploë
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growth plates.
The cancellous bone between the inner and outer tables of the skull,
adj.- diploic.
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Eminence A smooth projection on a bone.
Endocranium Refers to the interior of the “braincase” adj.- endocranial divided into
the 3 major fossae anterior (for the Frontal lobes) middle (containing
Temporal lobes) and posterior (for the containment of the Cerebellum).
Epiphysis The end of a long bone beyond the growth plate or epiphyseal plate.
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Fornix An arch
Fossa A pit, depression, or concavity, on a bone, or formed from several
bones as in temporomandibular fossa. Shallower and more like a
“bowl” than a cavity
Fovea A small pit (usually smaller than a fossa)- as in the fovea of the
occlusal surface of the molar tooth.
Gallus / Galli A cock, hence, crista galli, the cock's comb (i e possessive
form of gallus).
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
Glabella Most anterior midline point of the Frontal bone - that point between
the eyebrows which should be hairless. This is the Latin derivation of
this word.
Gnathion Midline point which is the most inferior point of the Mandible.
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Groove long pit or furrow
Gyrus A circle, hence a coil of brain cortex.
Hamus A hook hence the term used for bones which “hook around other
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bones or where other structures are able to attach by hooking -
hamulus = a small hook.
Hyoid U-shaped
Incisura A notch.
Inter between
Intra within
Introitus
Jugum
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An orifice or point of entry to a cavity or space.
A bridge between 2 halves of a bone pl.( juga) as in Sphenoid .
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Lacerum Something lacerated, mangled or torn eg foramen lacerum small
sharp hole at the base of the skull often ripping tissue in trauma.
Lacrimal Related to tears and tear drops. (noun lacrima)
Lambda From the Greek letter a capital 'L' and written as an inverted V.
(adj.- lambdoid) and used to name the point of connection
between the 3 skull bones Occipital and Temporals.
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Lamina A plate as in the lamina of the vertebra a plate of bone connecting the
vertical and transverse spines (pl. laminae)
Linea A line as in the Nuchal lines of the Occitipum
Locus A place (c.f. location, locate, dislocate).
Magnum Large pl magna
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Occulus An eye
Odontoid relating to teeth, toothlike see Dens
Opisthion Midline point at the posterior margin of the Foramen Magnum
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Orbit A circle; the name given to the bony socket in which the eyeball
rotates; adj - orbital.
Orifice An opening.
Os A bone adj osseus
Ossicle A small bone as in the ear ossicles: stapes (stirrup), incus (anvil) and
malleus (hammer).
Ostium A door, an opening, an orifice.
Otic
Ovale
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Pertaining to the ear
Oval shaped
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Pecten A comb.
Petrous Pertaining to a rock / rocky / stoney adj.- petrosal
Process A general term describing any marked projection or prominence as in
the mandibular process.
Prominens A projection
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Prosthion Midline point of the maxilla alveolar bone which is most anterior
Pterion A wing; the region where the tip of the greater wing of the sphenoid
meets or is close to the parietal, separating the frontal from the
squamous region of the temporal bone. (TERY- on) Alternatively the
region where these 4 bones meet.
Pterygoid Wing shaped
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Recess A secluded area or pocket; a small cavity set apart from a main cavity.
Rectus straight - erect
Rhinion Midline point of the free end of the Nasal bones where they join with
the Nasal cartilages
Ridge elevated bony growth often roughened.
Rotundum Round
Sagittal An arrow, the sagittal suture is notched posteriorly, making it look like
an arrow by the lambdoid sutures.
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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Sigmoid S-shaped, from the letter Sigma which is S in Greek.
Sinus A space usually within a bone lined with mucous membrane, such as
the frontal and maxillary sinuses in the head, (also, a modified BV
usually vein with an enlarged lumen for blood storage and containing
no or little muscle in its wall). Sinuses may contain air, venous or
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arterial blood, lymph or serous fluid depending upon location and
health of the subject adj.- sinusoid.
Skull The skull refers to all of the bones that comprise the head.
Spheno A wedge i.e. the Sphenoid is the bone which wedges in the base of
the skull between the unpaired frontal and occipital bones
adj.- sphenoid .
Spine A thorn adj.- spinous descriptive of a sharp, slender
process/protrusion.
Sulcus
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Splanchocranium The splanchocranium refers to the facial bones of the skull.
long wide groove often due to a BV indentation
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Suture The saw-like edge of a cranial bone that serves as joint between
bones of the skull.
Stylos An instrument for writing hence adj.- styloid a pencil-like structure.
Symphysis A joint or a growth
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Tectum A roof.
Tegmen A covering.
Temporal Refers to time and the fact that grey hair (marking the passage of
time) often appears first at the site of the temporal bone.
Tentorium A tent.
Trabecula A “little” beam i.e. supporting structure or strut pl. trabeculae
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nasal conchae.
Tympanum A drum pl. tympani
Uncus A hook adj.- uncinate.
Vagina A sheath; hence, invagination is the acquisition of a sheath by
pushing inwards into a structure, and evagination is similar but
produced by pushing outwards adj.- vaginal.
Zygoma A yoke , hence, the bone joining the maxillary, frontal, temporal &
sphenoid bones adj.- zygomatic.
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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Irregular bones Various shapes not easily classified Sphenoid
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diaphysis. Growth mainly lengthwise. Most limb bones.
Sutural bone “Wormian” bone small bones which occur within the skull
sutures sometimes called extra-sutural if the main part of
the bone is outside of the suture. Generally they are
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There are: 22 paired skull bones including the ear ossicles / not
including the teeth.
5 single bones mainly on the base of the skull
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1 mandible
1 hyoid
variable sutural and extra-sutural bones (generally between 3-5)
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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1 Frontal bone
THE SKULL
2 Fronto-Nasal suture
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3 Inter-Nasal suture
4 Nasal bone, Lacrimal bone
5 Supra-Orbital foramen
6 Spheno-Parietal suture
7 Spheno-Frontal suture
8 Spheno-Squamosal suture
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Zygoma
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Zygomatico-Maxillary suture
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11 Infra-orbital foramen
12 Middle Nasal concha - turbinate (from Ethmoid bone)
13 Inferior nasal concha - turbinate (from Ethmoid bone)
14 Vomer
15 Mandible
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16 Mental foramen
17 Inter-Maxillary suture
18 Maxilla
19 Ethmoid bone (Orbital plate)
20 Inferior Orbital fissure
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21 Temporo-Zygomatic suture
22 Superior Orbital suture
23 Fronto-Zygomatic suture
24 Greater wing of the Sphenoid
25 Coronal suture - Fronto-Parietal suture
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THE SKULL
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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radiology occipitofrontal
THE SKULL
1 Sagittal suture
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2 Lamboid suture (view to the posterior) meeting at
the Bregma
3 Frontal sinus
4 Lesser wing of the Sphenoid
5 Supraorbital fissure
6 Greater wing of the Sphenoid
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Fronto-Zygomatic suture
Petrous ridge
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9 Anterior clinoid process
10 Floor of the hypophyseal fossa + upper apex of
nasal cavity adjacent to nasal sinuses
11 Lateral pterygoid plate
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THE SKULL
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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upper and lower views in detail
THE SKULL
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1 Frontal sinus
2 Ethmoid sinus
3 Maxillary sinus
4 Foramen rotundum
5 Supraorbital fissure
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Anterior clinoid process
Posterior clinoid processa
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8 Petrous ridge
9 Floor of the hypophyseal fossa + upper apex of
nasal cavity adjacent to nasal sinuses
10 Crista galli
11 Frontal process of zygoma
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17 Hard palate
18 Infraorbital foramen
19 Zygomaticofacial foramen
20 Coronoid process of the mandible
21 Soft tissue of lower lid
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THE SKULL
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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upper and lower views in detail
THE SKULL
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1 Frontal sinus
2 Ethmoid sinus
3 Maxillary sinus
4 Foramen rotundum
5 Supraorbital fissure
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Anterior clinoid process
Posterior clinoid processa
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8 Petrous ridge
9 Floor of the hypophyseal fossa + upper apex of
nasal cavity adjacent to nasal sinuses
10 Crista galli
11 Frontal process of zygoma
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17 Hard palate
18 Infraorbital foramen
19 Zygomaticofacial foramen
20 Coronoid process of the mandible
21 Soft tissue of lower lid
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THE SKULL
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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Base of Skull
THE SKULL
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2 Medial Pterygoid plate and Hamulus (ethmoid)
3 Posterior Nasal aperture
4 Pterygoid plate (ethmoid)
5 Lateral Pterygoid plate (ethmoid)
6 Zygomatic arch
7 Mandibular fossa
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External Auditory meatus
Styloid process
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10 Mastoid process
11 Parieto - Mastoid suture
12 Occipito - Mastoid suture
13 Foramen magnum
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20 Occipital condyle
21 Jugular foramen (fossa)
22 Stylo-Mastoid foramen
23 Carotid foramen - Carotid canal
24 Foramen spinosum
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THE SKULL
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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radiology submentovertical view
THE SKULL
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the ethmoid)
2 Posterior border of vomer
3 Maxillary sinus
4 Ethmoid sinus
5 Greater palatine foramen
6 Lesser palatine foramen
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Sphenoid sinus a
Posterior orbital margin - greater wing of the
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sphenoid
9 Posterior boundary of the maxillary sinus
10 Zygomatic arch
11 Lesser wing of the sphenoid
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THE SKULL
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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1 Frontal bone - Temporal ridges for attachment of
THE SKULL
Temporalis
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2 Bregma - Coronal suture
3 Parietal bone
4 Parieto-Temporal suture
5 Lambda - Occipito-Parietal suture
6 Occipital bone - Occipitum
7 Occipito-Mastoid suture
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Porion - upper margin of external auditory meatus
Mastoid process
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10 Temporal bone
11 Styloid process
12 Zygomatic arch
13 Ramus of the Mandible
14 Body of the Mandible
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15 Gnathion
16 Maxilla
17 Zygoma
18 Prosthion
19 Rhinion
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20 Nasal bone
21 Lacrimal bone
22 Nasion
23 Glabella
24 Frontal bone
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THE SKULL
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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radiology
THE SKULL
1 Coronal suture
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2 Impression for Middle meningeal artery
3 Lambdoid suture
4 Wormian bone - Extrasutural bone
5 Styloid process
6 Posterior wall of Nasopharynx
7 Clivus - (base of Sphenoid and Occiptal bones)
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Hypophyseal fossa
Sphenoid sinus a
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10 Greater wing of the Sphenoid
11 Posterior Air cells in the Ethmoid - Ethmoid sinus
12 Anterior Air cells in the Ethmoid - Ethmoid sinus
13 Frontal sinus
14 Zygoma - frontal process
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20 Pterygoid plates
21 Soft tissue of Soft Palate and Uvula
22 Mandibular canal
23 Head of Mandible
24 Coronoid process of Mandible
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THE SKULL
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1 Sagittal sinus
THE SKULL
2 Parietal foramen
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3 Lambda Pareito - Occipital suture
4 Occipital bone
5 Lambdoid suture
6 Superior nuchal line
7 Highest nuchal line
8 Superior nuchal line
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Mastoid process
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External Occitipal protruberance
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11 Inferior nuchal groove
12 Superior nuchal groove
13 Sutural bones - Inca
14 Euyron
15 Parietal bone
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THE SKULL
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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1 Occipital bone
THE SKULL
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3 Parietal eminence - Euryon
4 Frontal bone
5 Bregma
6 Coronal suture
7 Parietal bone
8 Sagittal suture
9 Lambda
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THE SKULL
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Skull cap
THE SKULL
1 Lambda
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2 Lambdoid suture
3 Parietal foramen
4 Diploe
5 Bregma
6 Coronal suture
7 Frontal crest and Diploe - inner and outer tables of
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the skull bone
Frontal bone
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9 Depressions for arachnoid granulations
10 Grooves for middle meningeal vessels
11 Parietal bone
12 Sagittal suture
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THE SKULL
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Internal base – Cranial fossa
THE SKULL
1 Cribiform plate
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2 Frontal sinus
3 Crista Galli
4 Orbital plate of Frontal bone
5 Jugum of Sphenoid
6 Optic canal
7 Lesser wing of the Sphenoid bone
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Anterior Clinoid process
Foramen rotundum
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10 Foramen lacerum
11 Foramen ovale
12 Foramen spinosum
13 Dorsum sellae
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A POSTERIOR FOSSA
B MIDDLE FOSSA
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C ANTERIOR FOSSA
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THE SKULL
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
Ethmoid bones
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Anterior / Lateral / Medial / Superior
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cube, located between the 2 orbital cavities.
12 Vomer
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
Anterior
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Lateral
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Superior
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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Description - Unpaired largest and very robust anterior bone
forming the forehead - horizontal section forming the roof of
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the orbit.
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bones
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Superior and inferior temporal lines
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6 Superior Orbital plate - pars orbitalis
BONES OF THE SKULL
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
Hyoid bone
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Description - Small U-shaped bone. Attached to the styloid
processes via ligaments, this bone has no articulations and is
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not normally broken in normal trauma. It may be broken in
hanging and strangulation.
1 Body of hyoid
2 Greater horn (cornu)
3 Lesser horn (cornu)
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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Description - The lower jaw bone joins the skull via a single
paired joint the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) via the
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condyles and a cartilaginous plate in the Temporal fossa.
1 Mandibular notch
2 Pterygoid fovea
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4 a
Head of Mandible - Condyle - Condylar process
Neck of Mandible
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5 Posterior border of ramus of mandible
BONES OF THE SKULL
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
Mandible Anterior
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radiology
orthopantomogram = OPG
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Used to show mandibular fractures and an overview of
sinuses and complete dentition
1 Central incisor
2 Lateral incisor
3 Canine
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First premolar
Second premolar a
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6 First molar
BONES OF THE SKULL
7 Second molar
8 Pulp chamber
9 Coronoid process
10 Head of mandible
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11 Zygoma
12 Maxillary sinus
13 Anterior nasal spine of maxilla
14 Vomer (nasal septum)
15 Sites for the third molar
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16 Hard palate
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
Mandible Lateral
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radiology
Showing relationship to surrounding soft tissue
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1 Head of mandible – Condylar process
2 Neck of the Mandible
3 Hard Palate
4 Soft Palate
5 Anterior notch of the Atlas (C1)
6 Odontoid process of the Axis (C2) – Dens
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Posterior aspect of the tongue
Retropharyngeal sac
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9 Epiglottis
BONES OF THE SKULL
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
Mandibular joint
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Temporo-Mandibular joint (TMJ) Lateral
radiology
Open - upper
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Shut - lower
7 Tympanic plate
8 Mastoid process
9 Groove for posterior belly of Digastric muscle
10 Mandibular fossa
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Anterior / Lateral / Medial
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of the face and hold the upper teeth. The “overgrowth” of the
maxilla is often the reason for orthodontic treatment.
1 Frontal process
2 Medial Orbital surface
3 Infra-Orbital margin
4
5
Zygomatic process
Infra-Orbital foramen
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6 Nasal notch
BONES OF THE SKULL
7 Nasal crest
8 Anterior nasal spine
9 Alveolar bone around teeth
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10 Tuberosity
11 Infra-Temporal surface
12 Orbital surface
13 Palatine process
14 Ethmoid crest
15 Middle meatus
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16 Conchal crest
17 Anterior Nasal spine
18 premaxillary suture is here - fuses with completed jaw
growth Incisive canal supported by the canine jugun
19 Greater Palatine canal - groove
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1 Incisive fossa
2 Median Palatine suture (Inter-Maxillary suture)
3 Groove for greater Palatine vessels
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4 Palatine process of the Maxilla
5 Greater Palatine foramen
6 Palato-Maxillary suture
7 Inter-Palatine suture
8 Inferior Orbital fissure
9 Lesser Palatine foramen
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11
Posterior Nasal spine
Foramen spinosum
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12 Foramen ovale
BONES OF THE SKULL
13 Carotid canal
14 Foramen lacerum
15 Occipital condyle
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16 Foramen magnum
17 Palato-vaginal canal
18 Pharyngeal tubercle
19 Ala of Vomer
20 Medial Pterygoid plate
21 Lateral Pterygoid plate
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External (rotated 180 degrees to show)
Internal (below)
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also see the Nasal Cavity to see the Nasal bones in situ
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Description - Large bowl like bone with a hole at the infero-
posterior portion of the skull. Articulates with vertebral
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column C1 and C2.
1 Superior angle
2 Highest nuchal line
3 Superior nuchal line
4 Inferior nuchal line
5
6
Mastoid margin
Jugular process a
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7 Condylar fossa
BONES OF THE SKULL
8 Occipital condyle
9 Foramen magnum
10 Hypoglossal canal
11 Condylar canal
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12 Lateral surface
13 Lateral angle
14 External / Internal Occipital crest
15 Squamous surface
16 External / Internal Occipital protuberance
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17 Lamboid margin
18 Groove for superior sagittal sinus
19 Cerebral fossa
20 Groove for transverse sinus
21 Attachment for Tentorium Cerebelli
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Anterior / Lateral / Medial / Posterior / Sagittal
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forming the palate and the floor of the nasal cavity.
11 Maxillary process
12 Ethmoidal crest
13 Greater Palatine groove
14 Conchal crest
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1 Superior Temporal line
2 Parietal eminence
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3 Articulation with the Occipital bone
(Lambdoid suture)
4 Articulation with the Temporal bone (Mastoid)
Parieto-Mastoid suture
5 Articulation with the Temporal (Squamous)
Temporo-Parietal suture
6
a
Articulation with the Sphenoid (Greater wing)
Spheno-Parietal suture
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7 Articulation with the Frontal bone Coronal suture
BONES OF THE SKULL
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Description: A single wedge-shaped bone consisting of four
parts: the central body; the lateral greater wings, the
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medial lesser wings and the lower Pterygoid plates. The
bone looks like a bat in flight and is the centre piece of the
skull.
6 Lesser Wing
7 Squamosal suture - Articulation
with Right Temporal bone
8 Superior orbital fissure
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9 Foramen rotundum
10 Pterygoid canal
11 Rostrum
12 Vaginal process
13 Medial Pterygoid plate
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14 Pterygoid hamulus
15 Pterygoid notch
16 Lateral Pterygoid plate
17 Pterygoid process
18 Sphenoid spine
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Description - Paired bones which are involved in both the
wall and the base of the skull. They contain the auditory
ossicles and form the only joint with the mandible.
1 Suprameatal triangle
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2 Groove for middle Temporal artery
3 Parietal notch
4 Squamo-Mastoid suture
5 Mastoid area
6 Mastoid process
7 Sheath of Styloid process
8 Styloid process
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Tympanic part l a
External Acoustic meatus / anterior border (bony ear
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hole)
BONES OF THE SKULL
23 Petrous part
24 Carotid canal
25 Edge of Tegmen Tympani
26 Groove for the Middle Meningeal vessels
27 Groove for the superior Petrosal sinus
28 Articulation with the greater wing of the Sphenoid
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Spheno-Temporal suture
29 Zygomatic process
30 Groove for the Middle Meningeal vessels
31 Internal Acoustic meatus
32 Articulates with the Occipital bone
33 Aqueduct of the Vestibule
34 Mastoid foramen
35 Groove for sigmoid sinus - Sigmoid sulcus
36 Arcuate eminence
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37 Articulates with the parietal bone - Temporoparietal
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Description - A single small narrow frail plough-shaped
midline bone. Deviation of this bone may obstruct the nasal
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airways.
1 Ala (Alae)
2 Articulation with Maxillae and Palatine
Maxillovomer suture / palatinovomer suture
3 Groove for the nasopalantine nerves and vessels
4
5 a
Articulation with nasal cartilages
Articulation with Sphenoid bone
nd
6 Articulation with the Ethmoid plate
BONES OF THE SKULL
11 Frontal bone
12 Sphenoid sinus
13 Anterior of nasal bones
14 Frontal sinus
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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Description - Paired cheek bones which form the
prominent corners of the face under the orbital rim.
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1 Frontal process
2 Zygomatico-Facial formina
3 Articulation with the Frontal bone
4 Articulation with the Sphenoid
5 Zygomatico-Orbital foramina
6
7
Articulation with Maxilla
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Zyomatico-Temporal foramina
nd
8 Temporal process
BONES OF THE SKULL
9 Maxillary process
10 Orbital surface
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Superior view from the top
1 Frontal sinus
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2 Frontal crest
3 Foramen Caecum
4 Cranionasal exit of the anterior ethmoidal nerve
5 Slit for the process of the dura mater
6 Anterior Ethmoidal groove
7 Concealed entry for the anterior Ethmoidal nerve
8
9
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Posterior Ethmoidal groove
Concealed entry for the posterior Ethmoidal nerve
nd
10 Jugam Sphenoidale
Optic canals
12 Anterior Clinoid process
13 Fronto-Sphenoid suture
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1 Frontal sinus
2 Anterior Ethmoidal foramen
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3 Orbital plate of Ethmoid
4 Posterior Ethmoidal foramen
5 Lesser wing of the Sphenoid
6 Pterygo-Maxillary fissure
7 Perpendicular plate of the Palatine
8 Alveolar processes of the Maxilla
9
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Maxillary Sinus - opened
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Inferior concha, Maxillary process
nd
11 Anterior Nnasal spine
12 Uncinate process of the Ethmoid
13 Nasal bone
14 Lacrimo-Maxillary suture
15 Supra-Orbital foramen
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16 Frontal bone
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Superior view from the top
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2 Superior Orbital fissure
3 Middle Clinoid process
4 Optic canal
5 Anterior Clinoid process
6 Hypophysial fossa
7 Posterior Clinoid process
8
9
Dorsum Sellae
Foramen lacerum
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nd
10 Trigeminal impression Foramen rotundum
12 Groove for superior petrosal sinus
13 Groove for greater petrosal nerve
14 Diploe
ma
15 Arcuate eminence
16 Tegmen typani
17 Temporal bone
18 Groove for the Parietal branch of the middle
Meningeal vessels
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CAVITIES OF THE SKULL
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inferior nasal conchae
Para - Sagittal section of Right Nasal cavity
looking in through the Right side of the nose to show sinuses
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around the area
1 Semilunar hiatus
2 Ethmoid bulla
3 Air cells of Ethmoid sinus
4 Sphenoidal sinuses
5
6
Spheno-Palatine foramen
a
Perpendicular plate of the palatine
nd
7 Inferior nasal concha and meatus
8 Opening of the maxillary sinus
9 Uncinate process of Ethmoid bone
10 Right Frontal sinus
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dissected to show lateral wall of right nasal cavity
Sagittal section of Lateral Right nasal cavity
looking in to the lateral side of the right side of the nose
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1 Middle concha
2 Middle concha meatus
3 Superior concha
4 Superior concha meatus
5 Sphenoid sinus
6
7
Medial Pterygoid plate
Spheno-Palatine foramen a
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8 Perpendicular plate of Palatine bone
9 Palato-Maxillary suture
10 Incisive fossa and canal
11 Inferior concha and meatus
12 Maxilla
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13 Lacrimal bone
14 Nasal bone
15 Right Frontal sinus
16 Left Frontal sinus
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CAVITIES OF THE SKULL
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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dissected to show medial wall of the nasal cavity
Sagittal section of Nasal cavity
looking in to the medial wall of the nose in front of the right
nasal cavity
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1 Right Frontal sinus
2 Crista Galli
3 Left Sphenoidal sinus
4 Right Sphenoidal sinus
5 Vomer
6
7
Pterygoid hamulus
Maxilla
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8 Anterior Nasal spine
9 Inferior concha
10 Perpendicular plate of the Ethmoid
11 Nasal bone
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Anterior view from the front
1 Lesser wing of the Sphenoid
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2 Optic foramen
3 Anterior and Posterior Ethmoidal foramina
4 Lacrimal bone
5 Nasal bone
6 Orbital plate of the Ethmoid bone
7 Orbital plate of the Maxilla
8
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Infraorbital foramen
Infraorbital groove
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10 Zygoma
11 Inferior Orbital fissure
12 Foramina for Zygomatic branch of the Facial nerve
13 Orbital surface of the Zygoma
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Eyeball and muscles all sit in this cavity with the Optic
nerve entering from the posterior part of the cavity through
the Orbital foramen.
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radiology (also Orbital fossa Optic cavity Optic foramen)
1 Frontal sinus
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2 Foramen ovale
3 Infraorbital foramen
4 Foramen rotundum
5 Hard palate –floor of nasal cavity
6 Maxillary antrum
7 Lateral wall of maxillary antrum
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Zygomatic arch
Sphenoid sinus a
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10 Soft tissue of nose and lower lid
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CAVITIES OF THE SKULL
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radiology
1 Optic foramen
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2 Supraorbital ridge
3 Sphenoid ridge
4 Frontal bone
5 Sphenoid sinus (note clear no fluid lines as with sinusitis)
6 Anterior clinoid process
7 Posterior clinoid process
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Frontal process of zygoma
Zygomatic arch
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10 Lateral border of greater wing of the sphenoid
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Superior view from the top
1 Dorsum sellae
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2 Groove for inferior Petrosal sinus
3 Groove for superior Petrosal sinus
4 Internal Acoustic meatus
5 Concealed crevice for Endolymphatic sac
6 Mastoid emissary foramen
7 Occipito-Mastoid suture
8
9
Diploe
Lambdoid suture a
nd
10 Groove for transverse sinus
11 Fossa for Right Occipital lobe of the Cerebrum
12 Fossa for Right Cerebellar hemisphere
13 Internal Occipital proturberance
14 Internal Occipital crest
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20 Clivus: Basi-Sphenoid
21 Posterior Clinoid process
CAVITIES OF THE SKULL
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
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the areas of Histology, Pathology, and Anatomy and Forensic medicine, with
a separate specialization (MSc in renal glomerular disease). After teaching
for many years at university of Sydney and completing her PhD on “the
immunopathology of cerebral malaria” Amanda developed the only
accredited RCAGP continuing education course on anatomy. Developing
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courses on the anatomy of the Back (Back to the Back) and the Head and
Neck the PG program for Dental graduates and writing a number of
manuals, booklets and programs for medical, dental, nursing and other
health students. Qualifying as a GMP (Graduate medical program) facilitator
she has seen and been involved in the transition form the classic medical
course to the GMP and the integration and amalgamation of the classic
preclinical and clinical medical subjects to the total self directed computer
a
content based course. Moving to Macquarie University, she brought and
developed her anatomy and histology program from scratch, conceptualizing
and developing the virtual anatomy laboratory using her Flagship grant. This
nd
massive project is still in development.
Looking for collaboration in her projects Amanda developed links with the
NSW Department of Forensic medicine, the University of Sydney, the
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We want these to be a guide and a help for you and want your help and
feedback in order to make the manuals and the accompanying websites a
benefit for you. You can be a part of this project too. Write to us
And
Of course if you want to get a HEAD do Amanda’s A to Z.
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The A to Z of the Bones of the Skull
Gra
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Dr. A. L. NEILL
BSc MSc MBBS PhD FACBS
medicalamanda@gmail.com
www.amandasatoz.com
0414248747