Pterion
Pterion
Pterion (pronunciation: /tɛˈriːɒn/) is a clinically significant anatomical landmark located on the side of the human skull. It is the junction where the frontal, parietal, sphenoid, and temporal bones meet. The term "Pterion" is derived from the Greek word "pteron", which means "wing".
Anatomy
The Pterion is an H-shaped suture junction area located almost 4 cm posterior to the frontal process of the zygomatic bone. It is the thinnest part of the lateral aspect of the skull, making it a vulnerable point. The middle meningeal artery, a branch of the maxillary artery, runs directly underneath the pterion.
Clinical Significance
Due to its thinness and the underlying middle meningeal artery, a traumatic injury to the Pterion can lead to an extradural haematoma. This is a potentially life-threatening condition where blood collects between the dura mater and the skull, causing increased intracranial pressure.
Related Terms
- Sphenoid Bone: The sphenoid bone is one of the seven bones that articulate to form the orbit. It contributes to the pterion.
- Temporal Bone: The temporal bone is one of the bones that form the side and base of the skull, and it meets other bones at the pterion.
- Frontal Bone: The frontal bone is the bone that forms the front part of the skull and the upper part of the eye sockets. It is one of the bones that meet at the pterion.
- Parietal Bone: The parietal bone is one of the bones that form the top and sides of the skull. It is one of the bones that meet at the pterion.
- Extradural Haematoma: An extradural haematoma is a type of traumatic brain injury in which blood accumulates between the dura mater and the skull. It can be caused by a fracture at the pterion.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pterion
- Wikipedia's article - Pterion
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