time
Temporal Bone The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull see Figure 7.5 . Common wisdom has it that the temporal bone temporal = time is so named because this area of the head the temple is where hair typically first turns gray, indicating the passage of time. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions Figure 7.7 . The flattened, upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting inferiorly from this region is a large prominence, the mastoid process, which serves as a muscle attachment site. The mastoid process can easily be felt on the side of the head just behind your earlobe. On the interior of the skull, the petrous portion of each.