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

During early childhood, the mastoid process enlarges, the two halves of the mandible and frontal bone fuse together to form single bones, and the paranasal sinuses enlarge.

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

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

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

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

All the wounds of the mastoid process were, in addition, accompanied by absolute deafness.

From Surgical Experiences in South Africa, 1899-1900 Being Mainly a Clinical Study of the Nature and Effects of Injuries Produced by Bullets of Small Calibre by Makins, George Henry