Temporal bone (lateral view) (English)

There are several surface landmarks to be seen on the lateral view of the temporal bone. The outer surface of the temporal bone is smooth and convex. Its main parts are demarcated by several fissures, such as the petrosquamous fissure, which separates the squamous and petrous parts; the tympanosquamous fissure, separating the tympanic and squamous parts, and others. The zygomatic process, a long, arched process, can also be appreciated, projecting from the lower part of the squamous part. You can also visualize some notable features of the temporal bone from this perspective, such as the petrotympanic fissure leading into the tympanic cavity. It lodges the anterior process of the malleus, and transmits the anterior tympanic artery, a branch of the maxillary artery.