Temporal fossa
Fossa temporalis
Definition
The temporal fossa is formed by the parietal bone, the squamous part of the temporal bone and a small part of the frontal bone. It is bounded laterally by the zygomatic arch. The temporal fossa houses the homonymous muscle.
It varies greatly from one species to another.
In horses and ruminants, the zygomatic process of the frontal bone and the frontal process of the zygomatic bone meet at the caudal edge of the orbit. The temporal fossa communicates with the orbit medially at this bony bridge.
In carnivores and pigs, on the other hand, the temporal fossa and orbit are almost merged.
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