Pterion: Difference between revisions
m change citation needed note to template |
|||
| Line 29: | Line 29: | ||
The pterion is known as the weakest part of the skull. |
The pterion is known as the weakest part of the skull. |
||
Clinically, the pterion is relevant because the anterior division of the [[middle meningeal artery]] runs beneath it, on the inner side of the [[Human skull|skull]], which is quite thin at this point. The combination of both a vital artery in this area and the relatively thin bone structure has lent itself to the name "God's little joke" by some physicians |
Clinically, the pterion is relevant because the anterior division of the [[middle meningeal artery]] runs beneath it, on the inner side of the [[Human skull|skull]], which is quite thin at this point. The combination of both a vital artery in this area and the relatively thin bone structure has lent itself to the name "God's little joke" by some physicians {{citation needed}}. |
||
A blow to the pterion (e.g. in [[boxing]]) may rupture the artery causing an [[epidural haematoma]]. The pterion may also be fractured indirectly. Blows to the top or back of the head may not cause fracture at the site of impact, but may place sufficient force on the skull that its weakest part, the pterion, will fracture. |
A blow to the pterion (e.g. in [[boxing]]) may rupture the artery causing an [[epidural haematoma]]. The pterion may also be fractured indirectly. Blows to the top or back of the head may not cause fracture at the site of impact, but may place sufficient force on the skull that its weakest part, the pterion, will fracture. |
||
Revision as of 00:13, 5 June 2011
| Pterion | |
|---|---|
 Side view of head, showing surface relations of bones. (Pterion labeled at center.) | |
 Side view of the skull. (Pterion visible but not labeled. Arrow points to sphenoparietal suture, and pterion is slightly to the right of the tip of arrow.) | |
| Identifiers | |
| TA98 | A02.1.00.019 |
| TA2 | 421 |
| FMA | 264720 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
The pterion is the point corresponding with the posterior end of the sphenoparietal suture.
Location
It is situated about 3 cm. behind, and a little above the level of the zygomatic process of the frontal bone.
It marks the junction between four bones:
- the parietal bone
- the squamous part of temporal bone
- the greater wing of sphenoid bone
- the frontal bone
Clinical significance
The pterion is known as the weakest part of the skull.
Clinically, the pterion is relevant because the anterior division of the middle meningeal artery runs beneath it, on the inner side of the skull, which is quite thin at this point. The combination of both a vital artery in this area and the relatively thin bone structure has lent itself to the name "God's little joke" by some physicians [citation needed].
A blow to the pterion (e.g. in boxing) may rupture the artery causing an epidural haematoma. The pterion may also be fractured indirectly. Blows to the top or back of the head may not cause fracture at the site of impact, but may place sufficient force on the skull that its weakest part, the pterion, will fracture.
Etymology
The pterion receives its name from the Greek root pteron, meaning "wing".
In Greek mythology, Hermes, messenger of the gods, was enabled to fly by winged sandals, and wings on his head, which were attached at the pterion.
External links
- Diagram at shoshinryu.com
- Anatomy figure: 22:01-04 at Human Anatomy Online, SUNY Downstate Medical Center
- Diagram - look for #24 (source here)
- Template:EMedicineDictionary
This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 182 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)