Skull Anatomy Quiz

Skull Anatomy

• The lambdoid suture separates the parietal bones from the occipital bone.
• Nuchal lines are small ridges that extend laterally from the external occipital protuberance and serve as points of attachment for several neck muscles.

Bone Articulations

• The sphenoid bone articulates with the ethmoid, frontal, parietal, and occipital bones.
• The zygomatic arch consists of processes from the temporal and zygomatic bones.
• The mandibular bone articulates with the temporal bone.

Orbit and Palate

• The orbit is formed by the frontal, ethmoid, lacrimal, and maxillary bones.
• The hard palate is composed of the maxillary and palatine bones.

Foramina and Canals

• The foramen magnum is present in the occipital bone.
• The olfactory foramina are found in the cribriform plate.
• Sound waves en route to the eardrum travel through the external auditory meatus.

Unique Bones

• The hyoid bone does not articulate with any other bone.
• The mandible has the mandibular fossa, which articulates with the temporal bone.

Pituitary Gland and Nasal Septum

• The pituitary gland is located in the sella turcica.
• The nasal septum is comprised of the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid and the vomer.

Other Key Points

• The crista galli is a projection of the ethmoid bone.
• The alveolar process is the area that houses the teeth.
• The temporal bone contains ear structures.
• The occipital bone does not contain a sinus.