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temporal bone

temporal bone

2 5.3
Part of the skull on each side that holds the inner ear
  • noun
  • /ˈtɛmpərəl boʊn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : hueso temporal
  • In anatomy class, we learned about the structure and function of the temporal bone in the human skull.
  • temporal bone fracture
  • petrous temporal bone
  • dysplasia of the temporal bone

Examples

  • It's a longitudinal fracture of the temporal bone.

  • Surgically and radiographically, temporal bone fractures are more complex than previously thought.

    Academic text (1998)
  • An example of data obtained using fresh temporal bones is shown in Figure 9.

    Academic text (1998)
  • While most of these cases are unilateral, some cases of bilateral temporal bone involvement have been reported.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Table 1 shows the fracture types in 21 temporal bones with multiple fractures.

    Academic text (1998)
  • Even the most experienced surgeons spend time in the temporal bone dissection lab.

    Academic text (1996)
  • PET showed uptake only in the region of the left temporal bone (Figure 4).

    Academic text (2008)
  • We discuss these and other complications of fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone and their management.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Extracanalicular osteomas of the temporal bone are rare, slow-growing, benign neoplasms.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Thin-slice CT of the temporal bones revealed cochlear capsule lesions consistent with those seen in otosclerosis.

    Academic text (2008)

Synonyms

os temporale
vstemporal bone
  • Specialized
9.2

A bone on the side of the skull that holds and protects the inner ear

is the common English term rather than the Latin anatomical name

Surface Forms

temporal bone singular

Morphology

temporal + bone

The noun phrase literally names a bone located in the temporal/temple area: if a learner knows 'temporal' (relating to the temple/side of the head) and 'bone' they can infer it refers to the bone at the temple. This straightforward adjective + noun composition is literal and cross-linguistically common, making the MWE transparent.

Etymology

Temporal bone: The name temporal bone comes from temporal, a word linked to the 'temple', the flat side of the head, and bone, because this thick bone sits on the side of the head and surrounds the ear. So the name tells you it is the bone that protects the ear and helps with hearing and balance.