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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
06:42
Extracting the Cochlea from a Human Temporal Bone: A Cadaveric Protocol
Published on: August 18, 2023
Temporal bone and mastoid process morphology in Mediterranean population.
Evangelos Manolis1, Dimitrios Filippou, P Vassilios Papadopoulos
1Department of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, Nursing School, University of Athens, Greece.
Summary
This study details the anatomy of the mastoid process and temporal bone in Greek adults. Findings offer new morphological insights for surgical approaches, noting variations in the mastoid apex.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Anthropology
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- The mastoid process is a recent phylogenetic formation.
- It is considered an evolution of the supra-structure bones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a detailed description of the anatomical elements of the mastoid and temporal bone.
- To analyze these structures in a large sample of Greek adult cadavers.
- To identify morphological variations and their potential implications for surgical procedures.
Main Methods:
- Examination of 298 temporal bones from 149 adult Greek cadavers (74 male, 75 female).
- Data collected between 1973 and 1993.
- Analysis included mastoid apex shape, temporal bone diameters, and axis using a multiple regression model.
Main Results:
- 94.0% of mastoid apexes were normal, with the remainder showing variations.
- No statistically significant gender differences were found in mastoid apex shape.
- Temporal bone diameters and axis showed an independent correlation with gender.
Conclusions:
- The study provides detailed morphological data on the mastoid and temporal bone from Greek adults.
- Identified variations and gender-specific correlations can inform surgical approaches.
- This anatomical data may enhance surgical precision and planning.
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