Temporal bone (inferior view) (English)

On the inferior side, the temporal bone provides a clear visual of the several landmarks not seen on other views. These are the styloid process, mandibular fossa and articular tubercle of the temporal bone. This view also gives the best visual of several openings (foramina) in the temporal bone through which structures enter and exit the cranial cavity. These include the carotid canal, for the passage of the internal carotid artery, the stylomastoid foramen transmitting the facial nerve and stylomastoid artery, and the mastoid foramen for the passage of the emissary veins.