| Temporal styloid process | |
|---|---|
 Right side of the skull. Styloid process shown in red | |
_with_label.png) Righttemporal bone andmandible (styloid process labeled at bottom) | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | processus styloideus ossis temporalis |
| TA98 | A02.1.06.047 |
| TA2 | 683 |
| FMA | 52877 |
| Anatomical terms of bone | |
Thetemporal styloid process is a slender bonyprocess of thetemporal bone extending downward and forward from the undersurface of thetemporal bone[1] just below the ear.[citation needed] The styloid process gives attachments to several muscles, and ligaments.
The styloid process is a slender and pointed bony process of the temporal bone projecting anteroinferiorly from the inferior surface of thetemporal bone[1] just below the ear.[citation needed] Its length normally ranges from just under 3 cm to just over 4 cm. It is usually nearly straight, but may be curved in some individuals.[1]
Itsproximal (tympanohyal)part is ensheathed by thetympanic part of the temporal bone(vaginal process), whereas itsdistal (stylohyal)part gives attachment to several structures.[1]
The styloid process gives attachments to several muscles, and ligaments.[1] It serves as an anchor point for several muscles associated with thetongue andlarynx.[citation needed]
The parotid gland is situated laterally to the styloid process, the external carotid artery passes by its apex, the facial nerve crosses its base, and the attachment of the stylopharyngeus muscle separates it from the internal jugular vein medially.[1]
The styloid process arises fromendochondral ossification of thecartilage from the secondpharyngeal arch.[citation needed]
A small percentage of the population will suffer from an elongation of the styloid process and stylohyoid ligamentcalcification. This condition is also known asEagle syndrome. The tissues in the throat rub on the styloid process during the act of swallowing with resulting pain along the glossopharyngeal nerve. There is also pain upon turning the head or extending the tongue. Other symptoms may include voice alteration, cough, dizziness, migraines, occipital neuralgia, pain in teeth and jaw and sinusitis or bloodshot eyes.[citation needed]
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This article incorporates text in thepublic domain frompage 145 of the 20th edition ofGray's Anatomy(1918)
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