mastoid process

mastoid process
mastoid process n the process of the temporal bone behind the ear that is well developed and of somewhat conical form in adults but inconspicuous in children

* * *

a nipple-shaped process on the temporal bone that extends downward and forward behind the ear canal and is the point of attachment of several neck muscles. It contains many air spaces (mastoid cells), which communicate with the cavity of the middle ear via an air-filled channel, the mastoid antrum. This provides a possible route for the spread of infection from the middle ear (see mastoiditis).

* * *

processus mastoideus ossis temporalis.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Mastoid process — Bone: Mastoid process Side view of head, showing surface relations of bones. (Mastoid process labeled near center.) …   Wikipedia

  • mastoid process — a large, bony prominence on the base of the skull behind the ear, containing air spaces that connect with the middle ear cavity. Also called mastoid, mastoid bone. See diag. under skull. [1725 35] * * * ▪ anatomy       the smooth pyramidal or… …   Universalium

  • mastoid process — noun process of the temporal bone behind the ear at the base of the skull • Syn: ↑mastoid, ↑mastoid bone, ↑mastoidal • Derivationally related forms: ↑mastoid (for: ↑mastoid) • …   Useful english dictionary

  • mastoid process — a nipple shaped process on the temporal bone that extends downward and forward behind the ear canal and is the point of attachment of several neck muscles. It contains many air spaces (mastoid cells), which communicate with the cavity of the… …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • mastoid process — noun The conical, nipple like projection of the petrous part of the temporal bone, that is situated behind the ear in humans and many other vertebrates, and serves as a site of muscle attachment. Syn: processus mastoideus, mastoid, mastoid bone,… …   Wiktionary

  • mastoid process — noun a conical prominence of the temporal bone behind the ear, to which neck muscles are attached, and which has air spaces linked to the middle ear …   English new terms dictionary

  • mastoid process — mas′toid proc ess n. anat. a large bony prominence on the base of the skull behind the ear containing air spaces that connect with the middle ear cavity. • Etymology: 1725–35 …   From formal English to slang

  • Mastoid cells — Coronal section of right temporal bone. (Mastoid cells labeled at bottom left.) Latin cellulae mastoideae Gray s …   Wikipedia

  • Mastoid notch — Left temporal bone. Inferior surface. (Mastoid notch visible at bottom center.) Latin incisura mastoidea ossis temporalis Gray s …   Wikipedia

  • Mastoid — Mas toid, a. [Gr. ?; masto s the breast + e i^dos form: cf. F. masto[ i]de.] (Anat.) (a) Resembling the nipple or the breast; applied specifically to a process of the temporal bone behind the ear. (b) Pertaining to, or in the region of, the… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”