Mastoid antrum
Encyclopedia
The mastoid antrum is a cavity in the petrous portion of the temporal bone
, communicating posteriorly with the mastoid cells
and anteriorly with the epitympanic recess
of the middle ear
via the aditus to mastoid antrum (entrance to the mastoid antrum).
Temporal bone
The temporal bones are situated at the sides and base of the skull, and lateral to the temporal lobes of the cerebrum.The temporal bone supports that part of the face known as the temple.-Parts:The temporal bone consists of four parts:* Squama temporalis...
, communicating posteriorly with the mastoid cells
Mastoid cells
A section of the mastoid process of the temporal bone of the cranium shows it to be hollowed out into a number of spaces, the mastoid cells, which exhibit the greatest possible variety as to their size and number....
and anteriorly with the epitympanic recess
Epitympanic recess
The epitympanic recess is a hollow located on the superior/roof aspect of the middle ear.-Clinical significance:This recess is a possible route of spread of infection to the mastoid air cells located in the mastoid process of the temporal bone of the skull. Inflammation which has spread to the...
of the middle ear
Middle ear
The middle ear is the portion of the ear internal to the eardrum, and external to the oval window of the cochlea. The mammalian middle ear contains three ossicles, which couple vibration of the eardrum into waves in the fluid and membranes of the inner ear. The hollow space of the middle ear has...
via the aditus to mastoid antrum (entrance to the mastoid antrum).