Temporal bone and mastoid process morphology in Mediterranean population

Ital J Anat Embryol. 2008 Apr-Jun;113(2):117-28.

Abstract

The mastoid process originates from a recent phylogenetic formation and is currently considered as an evolution of the supper-structures bones. The aim of this study was the detailed description of the anatomic elements of the mastoid and the temporal bone in a large Greek adult corpse material. In total, 298 temporal bones from 149 cadaverous (74 male and 75 female) were examined from 1973 through 1993. Concerning the shape of the mastoid apex 94.0% were normal, while the rest presented several variations No statistically significant difference was revealed between genders. The diameters and axis of the temporal bone presented an independent correlation with gender in a multiple regression model. This prescription may add in easier surgical approach by adding new morphological details directly from the corpse material.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anthropometry
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mastoid / anatomy & histology*
  • Mediterranean Region / ethnology
  • Middle Aged
  • Regression Analysis
  • Sex Characteristics*
  • Temporal Bone / anatomy & histology*