Temporal bone
Os temporale
Definition
The temporal bone is a paired bone located in the cranium, more specifically in the lateral region. It contains the essential organs of hearing.
In newborns, this bone is divided into three distinct parts: the petrous part, the tympanic part (to which an endotympanic part is sometimes added), and the squamous part, which fuse together during development.
The squamous part has a cerebellar surface and helps form the lateral wall of the cranial cavity. The petrous part is closely linked to the inner ear, the cochlea, the semicircular canals, and the vestibule. The tympanic part is linked to the tympanic cavity, the tympanic bulla, and the external acoustic meatus.
References
Barone R. Anatomie comparée des mammifères domestiques, Tome 1, Ostéologie, 5th edition, Vigot, Paris, 2017.
Constantinescu GM, Schaller O. Illustrated veterinary anatomical nomenclature, 3rd Edition, Enke Verlag, Stuttgart, 2012.
König HE, Lieibich HG. Veterinary Anatomy of Domestic mammals, 6th edition, Schattauer, Stuttgart, 2014.
