Practical No.
2 Skull Osteology
Learning Objectives
1. Identify the bones of the skull
a. Identify the landmarks of each skull bone
b. Be able to discuss the role(s) of each landmark
2. Identify the openings and foramina in each bone
a. Be able to list what structures pass through each opening/foramina
2.1 Cranium
Identify and name the bones that make the cranial vault.
Identify and name their articulations with the adjacent bones.
o What type of joints are these?
o What are their roles?
2.2 Cranial Bones: Frontal, Parietal, Temporal, Occipital
Identify the parts of frontal bone: orbital plate, frontal sinus, supraorbital ridge,
supraorbital notch, glabella, frontal eminence, zygomatic process.
Figure 1.1 Frontal bone. Image from Fehrenbach
Identify the surfaces of the parietal bone. Identify the superior and inferior
temporal line.
o What is their role?
Figure 2.2 Lateral view skull osteology. Image from Fehrenbach
Identify the portions of temporal bone and their features:
o Squamous-Zygomatic Process, Articular (Glenoid) Fossa, Articular
Eminence
o Petrous- Mastoid Process; Mastoid Notch; Styloid Process;
Stylomastoid Foramen (VII CN); Carotid Canal; Jugular Foramen;
Internal Acoustic Meatus (VII & VIII CN), Meckel’s cave (V sensory
ganglion sits here)
o Tympanic- External Acoustic Meatus; Petrotympanic Fissure
Figure 2.3 Temporal bone. Image from Bergman
Draw and label the Occipital bone. Make sure you identify the following
structures: Foramen Magnum; Occipital Condyle; Basilar Portion; Pharyngeal
Tubercle; Jugular Foramen; Hypoglosal Canal (XII CN)
NOTES:
2.3 Cranial Bones: Sphenoid
Locate the position of the sphenoid bone within the skull.
Using the diagrams below, label these important landmarks
o Body; Lesser Wing; Greater Wing; Pterygoid Process
o Sella turcica; Sphenoidal Air Sinuses; Optic F.; Superior Orbital
Fissure; Inferior Orbital Fissure; F. Rotundum, F. Ovale
o Lateral Pterygoid Plate; Medial Pterygoid Plate; Pterygoid Hamullus;
Pterygoid Fossa; Pterygo-maxillary Fissure
Figure 2.4 Sphenoid bone posterior view. Image from Studyblue
Figure 2.5 Sphenoid bone Superior view. Image from Studyblue
NOTES:
2.4 Cranial Bones: Vomer, Nasal, Lacrimal, Inferior Nasal
Concha
Identify the location and articulations of these bones
Figure 2.6 Anterior view skull.
NOTES:
2.5 Cranial Bones: Zygomatic
Draw and label the Zygomatic bone. Ensure you have identified the following
landmarks
o surfaces : malar and temporal
o processes: Frontal; Maxillary; Temporal; Orbital
What makes the zygomatic arch?
NOTES:
2.6 Maxillary bone
What shape does the maxillary bone resemble?
What are its surfaces?
Identify the processes of the maxillary bone, their articulations and structures
they form.
Identify the important structures on each surface of maxilla.
Identify and name articulations of maxillary bone with: Frontal; Lacrimal;
Nasal; Inferior Nasal Concha; Vomer; Sphenoid; Ethmoid; Palatine;
Zygomatic and contralateral Maxillary bone
What important structures of the skull is the maxilla part of?
NOTES:
