What is the mastoid process?

The mastoid process is part of the skull located just behind the ear. It is part of the temporal bone, a large bone that leads along the middle bottom of the skull. The mastoid process contains several different roles and this bone is one of the bone structure areas that usually differ between men and women. Men have a more significant mastoid process than women, which can be useful in exploring the human remains belonging to a non -identified person. One important role of this bone is as a point of connection for several muscles, splenius capitis, Longissimus capitis, diaastric and sternocleidomastoid. These muscles are one of the reasons why the mastoid process is larger in men, because men generally have larger muscles and therefore require larger points. The time bone contains another protrusion, a styloid process located in close proximity to the mastoid process. The styloid process also serves as a point of attachment for muscles and has a distinctive pointed shape similar to the shape of the stylus, explains the origin of the name.

Inside the mastoid process, there are a number of cavities filled with air known as mastoid cells. These cells communicate with the middle ear. They can participate in ear infections when the ear becomes attached and the infectious material turns into mastoid cells. Treatment of such infections requires antibiotics and sometimes it is also necessary to irrigate the ear to remove the material that has been created. Ear, nose and neck specialist can accurately diagnose and treat middle ear infections before contributing to the development of hearing loss and other complications potential.

head frames can cause damage to the process of temporary bone and mastoid. When a temporary bone is injured, there is usually a concern that the brain is injured and also the result of trauma. In cases where people experience fractures or bruises on temporary bones, including the mastoid process, they can be identified by medical imaging studies. TreatmentUsually it first concerns the solution of any brain damage and then determined whether it is necessary to take steps to repair or stabilize fractures.