Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 24, 2025

06:42
Extracting the Cochlea from a Human Temporal Bone: A Cadaveric Protocol
Published on: August 18, 2023
1.1K
Normal Anatomic Structures, Variants, and Mimics of the Temporal Bone
1Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, 222 East 41st Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA.
Neuroimaging Clinics of North America
|May 8, 2022
Summary
Radiologists can distinguish normal temporal bone variants from dangerous lesions by recognizing key imaging features. This helps prevent misdiagnosis and surgical complications.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Anatomy
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- The temporal bone contains complex anatomic structures.
- Anatomic variants and lesions can appear similar on imaging.
- Misidentification poses risks for diagnosis and surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present imaging features of normal temporal bone variants.
- To differentiate these variants from lesions with similar appearances.
- To highlight distinguishing features to avoid diagnostic pitfalls.
Main Methods:
- Review of imaging studies of the temporal bone.
- Correlation with anatomic variants and pathologies.
- Emphasis on salient imaging characteristics.
Main Results:
- Identification of specific imaging patterns for common variants.
- Description of features differentiating variants from pathologies.
- Guidance on recognizing potential imaging pitfalls.
Conclusions:
- Accurate interpretation of temporal bone imaging is crucial.
- Understanding variants aids in distinguishing them from pathologies.
- This knowledge improves patient safety by reducing surgical risks.
Related Concept Videos
Cranial Bones: Lateral View
2.8K
The lateral view of the cranium is dominated by temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
2.8K
Anatomy of the Ear
9.0K
Auditory sensation, commonly called hearing, involves the transformation of sonic waves into neural impulses facilitated by the structures of the auditory organ. The prominent, flesh-like structure on the side of the head, called the auricle, directs sound waves towards the auditory canal. The auricle is often mislabeled as the pinna, a term more aligned with mobile structures like a feline's external ear. The auditory canal penetrates the cranium via the external auditory meatus of the...
9.0K
Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View
3.0K
The superior view of the cranium shows the frontal and paired parietal bones.
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
3.0K
Overview of the Skull
5.6K
The cranium (skull) is the skeletal structure of the head that supports the face and protects the brain. It is subdivided into the facial bones and the brain case, or cranial vault. The facial bones underlie the facial structures, form the nasal cavity, enclose the eyeballs, and support the teeth of the upper and lower jaws.
The cranial vault surrounds and protects the brain and houses the middle and inner ear structures. This cavity is bounded superiorly by the rounded top of the skull, which...
The cranial vault surrounds and protects the brain and houses the middle and inner ear structures. This cavity is bounded superiorly by the rounded top of the skull, which...
5.6K
The Auditory Ossicles
2.1K
The auditory ossicles of the middle ear transmit sounds from the air as vibrations to the fluid-filled cochlea. The auditory ossicles consist of two malleus (hammer) bones, two incus (anvil) bones, and two stapes (stirrups), one on each side. These bones develop during the fetal stage and are the ones to ossify first. They are fully mature at birth and do not grow afterward.
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...
2.1K
Gross Anatomy of Bone
6.7K
The two main features of a long bone are the diaphysis and the epiphysis.
The diaphysis is the tubular shaft that runs between the proximal and distal ends of the bone. The walls of the diaphysis are composed of dense and hard compact bone made of numerous osteons — the functional unit of the compact bone. The hollow region in the diaphysis is called the medullary cavity, which harbors the bone marrow. In infants and children, this marrow cavity is filled with red marrow, whereas in...
The diaphysis is the tubular shaft that runs between the proximal and distal ends of the bone. The walls of the diaphysis are composed of dense and hard compact bone made of numerous osteons — the functional unit of the compact bone. The hollow region in the diaphysis is called the medullary cavity, which harbors the bone marrow. In infants and children, this marrow cavity is filled with red marrow, whereas in...
6.7K

