SULCUS PETROSUS INFERIOR Meaning and
Definition
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The term "sulcus petrosus inferior" refers to a specific anatomical structure located in the human skull. It is a depression or groove found on the inferior (lower) surface of the petrous part of the temporal bone, which is one of the bones in the skull.
The sulcus petrosus inferior can be visually identified as a deep furrow that extends horizontally across the surface of the temporal bone. It separates two prominent bulges or ridges, known as the petrous crest and the arcuate eminence. This depression is situated close to the internal acoustic meatus, a small canal that transmits nerves involved in hearing and balance.
An important structure associated with the sulcus petrosus inferior is the inferior petrosal sinus. This sinus is a small venous channel that drains the cavernous sinus, a network of veins located in the skull base. The inferior petrosal sinus runs within the sulcus petrosus inferior and eventually drains into the internal jugular vein, which is a major vein in the neck.
The sulcus petrosus inferior, along with the other anatomical features of the temporal bone, plays a crucial role in housing and protecting important structures related to the auditory and vestibular systems. Understanding the precise location and characteristics of the sulcus petrosus inferior is essential for medical professionals involved in neurosurgery, otolaryngology, and radiology, as it aids in accurate anatomical identification and diagnosis of various conditions affecting the temporal bone and associated structures.
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Inferior petrosal groove; (1) a shallow groove on either side of the basilar portion of the occipital bone lodging the inferior petrosal sinus; (2) a groove, on the posterior surface of the petrous portion of the temporal bone, lodging the inferior petrosal sinus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SULCUS PETROSUS INFERIOR
