Pterion

[JojoBon]

Just a quick question, is what we commonly call the 'temple' actually the pterion or some other part of the sphenoid bone?

Thanks

[Reaver]

Some good explanations / diagrams on:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_(anatomy)
Pterion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


I think "temple" is a lay term just referring to the surface landmark - i.e. the softer and more vulnerable area.

The wikipedia link states that the temporal bone underlies it, which would justify the name... but I thought the temple was more anterior? I would have said that the temple overlies the greater wing of the sphenoid bone myself... happy to be corrected though!

I believe the pterion is just the point where the spenoparietal suture meets the squamous suture. I suppose it could be the most posterior point of the temple?

[InternalOptimist]

Yes, I agree with Reaver - the pterion is just the point where they all meet - one of the 'weak' points of the skull where haemorrhages are common after trauma.