mastoids
Behind-ear skull bumps
The mastoids are the bony projections behind each ear, part of the temporal bone of the skull.
They contain air cells connected to the middle ear, making them vulnerable to infection—mastoiditis was once a serious complication of ear infections before antibiotics.
The doctor checked behind her ears for mastoid tenderness.
Relating to chronology
- occipitalOf the skull's rear
- petrousResembling stone, especially bone
- styloidShaped like a bristle
- posterior fossaRear skull cavity
middle ear · tympanic · parietal · sternocleidomastoid · air cells
Sound-conducting body chamber
- ossiclesMinute skeletal structures
- eustachian tubeEar-to-pharynx drainage channel
- hearing lossReduced ability to perceive sound
- conductiveAllows energy transfer
otoscopy · CT scan · otologist · perforation · granulation
Skull bone structure
Localized pus collection
- osteomyelitisBacterial infection of skeleton
- coalescentGrowing into one
- empyemaPus in body cavity
- drainageLiquid removal system
antibiotics · fever · swelling · tenderness · erythema · complications
Of an outer layer
- radicalRoot-indicating symbol
- facial nerveSeventh cranial pathway
- drillingHole-making by rotation
- burrClinging seed case
temporal
Relating to chronology
posterior fossa · middle ear · tympanic · parietal · sternocleidomastoid · air cells
middle ear
Sound-conducting body chamber
- ossiclesMinute skeletal structures
- eustachian tubeEar-to-pharynx drainage channel
- hearing lossReduced ability to perceive sound
conductive · otoscopy · CT scan · otologist · perforation · granulation
cranium
Skull bone structure
abscess
Localized pus collection
- osteomyelitisBacterial infection of skeleton
- coalescentGrowing into one
- empyemaPus in body cavity
drainage · antibiotics · fever · swelling · tenderness · erythema · complications
cortical
Of an outer layer
- radicalRoot-indicating symbol
- facial nerveSeventh cranial pathway
- drillingHole-making by rotation