mastoid process

American  

noun

1. a large, bony prominence on the base of the skull behind the ear, containing air spaces that connect with the middle ear cavity.

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mastoid process Scientific  

/ măs′toid′ /

1. A protruding bony area in the lower part of the skull that is located behind the ear in humans and many other vertebrates and serves as a site of muscle attachment. The mastoid process contains small air-filled cavities called mastoid cells that communicate with the middle ear.

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Etymology

Origin of mastoid process

First recorded in 1725–35

Example Sentences

Projecting inferiorly from this region is a large prominence, the mastoid process, which serves as a muscle attachment site.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The mastoid process can easily be felt on the side of the head just behind your earlobe.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

A vibrating tuning fork is placed on the mastoid process and the patient indicates when the sound produced from this is no longer present.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

At the time of birth, the facial bones are small and underdeveloped, and the mastoid process has not yet formed.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Treatment.—The primary focus of infection must first be removed, and this usually involves clearing out the middle ear and mastoid process.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander