How Do You Spell PETROUS BONE?

1. The petrous bone is a dense, pyramid-shaped portion of the temporal bone located deep within the skull. It is one of the hardest and densest bones in the human body, resembling a rock-like structure, hence the name "petrous" which means "stone-like" or "rock-like." The petrous bone is found bilaterally on each side of the skull and is situated anteriorly to the mastoid process.

   This bone plays a crucial role in protecting vital structures housed within the skull. It encompasses several important structures, including the cochlea (a component of the inner ear involved in hearing), the vestibular system (responsible for maintaining balance and equilibrium), the carotid canal (through which the internal carotid artery passes), and the facial nerve canal (which encloses the facial nerve responsible for controlling facial muscles). It also accommodates the internal auditory meatus, a canal through which the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves enter the brain surface.

   The petrous bone is known for its hardness and density, which make it very difficult to penetrate or damage. Its unique location and composition contribute to the structural support and functional integrity of the skull. Due to the complexities of the structures it houses, any injury or pathological conditions affecting the petrous bone can have significant implications for hearing, balance, and facial nerve function.

2. P. portion of the temporal bone.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PETROUS BONE

The word "petrous" comes from the Latin word "petrosus", which means "stony" or "rock-like". It is derived from the Greek word "petra", which also means "rock". The term "petrous bone" refers to a part of the temporal bone in the skull, which is dense and hard like a rock. Therefore, the etymology of the word "petrous bone" is linked to its dense and stony nature.