Description
The mastoid process is the large, blunt, anteroinferior projection found along the external surface of the mastoid part of temporal bone. It is located posterior to the external acoustic meatus and posterolateral to the styloid process.
The mastoid process:
—consists of the mastoid notch;
—provides an origin site for the posterior belly of digastric muscle;
—provides insertion sites for the splenius capitis, longissimus capitis and sternocleidomastoid muscles;
—contributes to the formation of the posterior wall of the infratemporal fossa;
—is more pronounced in males than females.
