petromastoid
9.9
Connected to the part of the skull behind the ear that helps hearing and balance
- adjective
- Specialized
:
petromastoideo
- The petromastoid part of the temporal bone provides essential support to the structures of the ear.
Examples
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In the anatomy class, we studied the petromastoid region to understand its role in hearing.
-
Most osseous lesions have been reported in the mandible; other sites include the maxilla, the zygoma, all the paranasal sinuses, and the orbital and petromastoid regions.
Academic text (2006) -
The surgeon examined the petromastoid area for any signs of infection after the operation.
Synonyms
1
9.9
Around the outer part of the ear
is limited to a bony region behind the ear not surrounding it
9.7
Located behind the outer part of the ear
refers specifically to a bone region behind the ear
9.9
Located just behind the ear
names a specific area of the temporal bone behind the ear
Surface Forms
petromastoid positive
Morphology
Etymology
Petromastoid is built from petro- meaning 'rock' (as in petroleum) and mastoid meaning 'breast-shaped' or a small rounded part. So petromastoid describes the hard, rock-like area of the bone behind the ear.