The petrosquamous fissure, also known as the petrosquamosal fissure or the petrosquamous suture, is a small, but important anatomical structure located within the temporal bone of the skull. This fissure serves as a point of attachment for several important muscles and ligaments in the head and neck, and is essential for proper function and movement of these structures.
Structure
The temporal bone is a complex, irregular bone that is located on the sides of the head, just above the ears. It is divided into several parts, including the squamous, petrous, and mastoid regions. The petrosquamous fissure is located at the junction of the squamous and petrous regions, and is therefore sometimes referred to as the petrosquamous suture.
The petrosquamous fissure is a small, thin opening that runs obliquely across the surface of the temporal bone. It is formed by the separation of the squamous and petrous regions of the temporal bone, and is surrounded by a thin layer of dense connective tissue called the periosteum.
Location
The petrosquamous fissure is located on the lateral surface of the temporal bone, just above the ear. It is situated between the squamous region, which forms the upper and outer part of the temporal bone, and the petrous region, which forms the lower and inner part of the temporal bone.
It is easily identifiable by its oblique orientation and its thin, linear appearance. It is located just above the ear, and is surrounded by several important structures, including the auditory canal, the styloid process, and the zygomatic arch.
Function
The petrosquamous fissure serves as a point of attachment for several important muscles and ligaments in the head and neck. These muscles and ligaments help to stabilize the head and neck, and are essential for proper movement and function of these structures.
One important muscle that attaches to the petrosquamous fissure is the sternocleidomastoid muscle. This muscle is responsible for turning the head from side to side, and is also involved in flexing and rotating the neck. Another muscle that attaches to the petrosquamous fissure is the stylohyoid muscle, which helps to elevate the hyoid bone during swallowing and speech.
In addition to serving as a point of attachment for muscles, the petrosquamous fissure also serves as a point of attachment for several ligaments. These ligaments help to stabilize the head and neck, and are essential for maintaining proper alignment and movement of these structures.
