Left Temporal Bone (Ventrolateral view)

The temporal bone houses the opening to the ear and covers the ventral lateral surface of the skull. Note the smooth, slightly curved surface of the mandibular fossa on the ventral surface of the extension of the temporal bone into the zygomatic arch. This is the point where the mandible articulates with the skull. The projecting mastoid process is an important point of muscle attachment. anterior view lateral view ventral view cat tutorial