The Prominent Bulge Just Posterior and Inferior to the External

Question

The prominent bulge just posterior and inferior to the external auditory meatus is the
A) mastoid process.
B) styloid process.
C) occipital condyle.
D) condyloid process.
E) temporal process.

Accepted Answer

The prominent bulge just posterior and inferior to the external auditory meatus is the mastoid process, which is part of the temporal bone. The styloid process is a slender projection of the temporal bone that is more inferior and anterior. The occipital condyle and condyloid process are located on the occipital bone, which is posterior to the temporal bone. The temporal process is a broad extension of the temporal bone that articulates with the zygomatic bone to form the zygomatic arch.