A. Paired bones of the braincase

2. Temporal

The temporal bones contribute to the formation of the lower lateral wall and part of the ventral wall of the cranial cavity. The temporal bone is a compound bone that is composed of three parts, squamous part, petrous part and tympanic part. The squamous part carries the zygomatic process rostrolaterally, which forms the zygomatic arch with the temporal process of the zygomatic bone. The base of the zygomatic process articulates with the condylar process of the mandible at the mandibular fossa to form the temporomandibular joint. The petrous part bears the mastoid process, which articulates with the hyoid bone. The tympanic part possesses the large tympanic bulla. The petrous and typanic parts enclose the middle and inner ear.