mastoid process

noun

a large, bony prominence on the base of the skull behind the ear, containing air spaces that connect with the middle ear cavity.

mastoid process

A protruding bony area in the lower part of the skull that is located behind the ear in humans and many other vertebrates and serves as a site of muscle attachment. The mastoid process contains small air-filled cavities called mastoid cells that communicate with the middle ear.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of mastoid process¹

First recorded in 1725–35

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

For example, a small change of direction on the mastoid process, a bony projection behind the ear, indicates whether a person has detached or attached earlobes.

From

Further, a prominence called the mastoid process is notched at the back, not smooth.

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On the right mastoid process the skin was not quite healthy, a vesicatory having been applied three weeks previously.

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Pain in left neck behind mastoid process, running backward and upward.

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In the horse it is attached to the angle of the lower jaw by a tendon, which an aponeurosis that passes under the parotid gland binds to the mastoido-humeral muscle and the mastoid process.

From

mastoiditis mastopathy

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