The spelling of the word "mastoid angle" is determined by its phonetic transcription. In this case, "mastoid" is pronounced /ˈmæs.tɔɪd/, with the stress on the first syllable, and "angle" is pronounced /ˈæŋ.ɡəl/, with the stress on the second syllable. When combined, the two words form "mastoid angle," which is typically spelled as shown. The mastoid angle refers to the angle formed by the temporal bone and the occipital bone, and is an important landmark in various medical and surgical procedures.
The mastoid angle is a term used in anatomy to describe a specific angle formed by two bony landmarks in the skull. It refers to the angle formed by the meeting of the two lines: the line running from the external auditory meatus (ear canal) to the mastoid process and the line running from the external auditory meatus to the porion.
The mastoid process is a prominent bony projection located on the temporal bone, situated just behind the ear. It serves as an attachment site for certain neck muscles. On the other hand, the porion is a point on the skull located at the highest point of the external auditory meatus.
When these two points are connected with lines, they intersect to form an angle in the skull, which is referred to as the mastoid angle. This angle is an important landmark in medical fields such as radiology, anthropology, and forensic sciences. It is commonly measured and used to determine the position and characteristics of the skull.
In terms of clinical significance, the mastoid angle can provide information about certain conditions or pathologies affecting the skull or temporal bone. Any abnormalities or asymmetries in the mastoid angle measurement may suggest structural deformities, congenital malformations, or even injuries. Therefore, this measurement can be a valuable diagnostic tool in various medical contexts, aiding in the assessment of skull anomalies and contributing to the overall understanding of human anatomy.
Posterior inferior angle of the parietal bone.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "mastoid" is derived from the Greek word "mastoeidēs", which means "breast-shaped" or "like a breast". It is a combination of "mastos" meaning "breast" and "-oeidēs" meaning "resembling".
The term "angle" comes from the Latin word "angulus", which means "corner" or "a bending or a fold".
In the context of anatomy, the "mastoid angle" refers to a specific angle formed by the junction of a bone called the mastoid process (located behind the ear) with another bone called the occipital bone (located at the lower back part of the skull).