The auricular notch is an anatomical feature located on each side of the skull, behind the ear. The word "auricular" is pronounced /ɔːˈrɪkjʊlər/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the second syllable. The "a" sound in the first syllable is long, and is like the "ah" sound in "father". The "u" sound in the second syllable is short, and is like the "uh" sound in "but". The word "notch" is pronounced /nɒtʃ/ in IPA, with a short "o" sound as in "lot" and a "ch" sound as in "church".
The auricular notch is a term used in anatomy to describe a specific anatomical feature located within the temporal bone of the skull. The word "auricular" refers to the ear, while "notch" refers to a V-shaped indentation or groove. Therefore, the auricular notch can be understood as a small valley-like depression found on the temporal bone near the external opening of the ear.
This distinctive notch serves as an important landmark for anatomists and surgeons, as it plays a significant role in the articulation of the mandible (lower jaw) with the rest of the skull. It is here that the condyle of the mandible, which is the rounded protrusion at the posterior end of the lower jaw, forms a joint with the temporal bone known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
The structure of the auricular notch is typically concave, allowing for the smooth movement of the mandible during actions like chewing, talking, and yawning. It also provides stability to the jaw joint, allowing it to rotate and glide as necessary. The TMJ, supported by the auricular notch, facilitates the intricate movements required for these actions, while also bearing the load of the lower jaw.
In conclusion, the auricular notch is an anatomical feature found in the temporal bone near the ear that plays a crucial role in the temporomandibular joint, enabling the movement and stability of the lower jaw.
(1) Incisura anterior auris; (2) incisura terminalis auris.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "auricular" is derived from the Latin word "auricula", which means "the external portion of the ear". It comes from the Latin word "auris", meaning "ear". "Notch", on the other hand, comes from the Old English word "noecce", which means "nick" or "cut". Therefore, the etymology of "auricular notch" can be understood as a combination of "auricular", pertaining to the ear, and "notch", referring to a small cut or indentation.