The temporal bone (from the lower Latin temporalis) is a bone present in the bony structure of the head, and more particularly in the cerebral skull.

Position. The temporal bone is an even bone located at the temple. It is contained in the cerebral skull, one of the two parts of the skull that makes up the cranium and envelops the brain (1) (2). Ovoid in shape, the cerebral skull has eight bones between them in adulthood, and divided into two zones:

• the calvaria which constitutes the upper part or vault,
• the base which constitutes the lower part.

Located within the calvaria and the base of the cerebral skull, the temporal bones form the lateral and lower wall of the skull (1) (2).

Structure. Each temporal bone is made up of 4 parts (2):

• The scale, thin and scaly in appearance, articulates above with the parietal bone;
• The rock, or petrous region, is formed by a hole, the auditory foramen, and contains the inner ear and the middle ear;
• The mastoid process is a projection located towards the base of the skull;
• The zygomatic process is a protrusion that articulates with the zygomatic bone to form the zygomatic arch, that is, the skeleton of the cheekbones.

Auditory pathways. Containing certain regions of the ear, the temporal bone forms part of the ear canal.

Protection. An integral part of the skull, the temporal bone allows in particular the protection of the brain.

Different pathologies can affect the bones of the skull, including the temporal bone. The causes of these pathologies are varied but can be linked to malformations, deformations, degenerative diseases or trauma.

Cranial injuries. The skull, including the temporal bone in particular, can suffer trauma in the form of cracks or fractures. In some cases, head damage can be accompanied by brain damage.

• Crack of the skull. The crack is the lightest lesion but should be watched to avoid any complications.
• Skull fracture. Depending on the location, two types of fractures are distinguished: the fracture of the base of the skull and the fracture with depression of the cranial vault.

Bone pathologies. The temporal bone can be affected by certain bone pathologies.

• Paget’s disease. This bone disease is defined by an acceleration of bone remodeling. Symptoms are bone pain, headache, and head deformities (3).
• Bone tumors. Benign or malignant, tumors can develop at the base of the skull (4), as well as at the level of the cranial vault (5).

Headache (headache). A frequent symptom in adults and children, it manifests as pain in the forehead. There are many causes of a headache. A doctor can be consulted in case of sharp and sudden pain.

• Migraine. A particular form of headache, it often begins with very localized pain and manifests itself in seizures.

Medical treatment. Depending on the pathology diagnosed, certain medications may be prescribed such as painkillers, anti-inflammatories or antibiotics.

Surgical treatment. Depending on the pathology, surgery may be performed.

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy or targeted therapy. Depending on the type and stage of the tumor, these treatments may be used to destroy cancer cells.

Physical examination. The causes of certain forehead pain can be diagnosed by simple clinical examination.

Imaging exams. In some cases, additional examinations may be performed such as cerebral CT scan or cerebral MRI.

In 2013, researchers published in the scientific journal Science the analysis of a complete skull discovered in Dmanisi in Georgia. Dating from around 1,8 million years ago, this skull is believed to be one of the first representatives of the genus Homo outside Africa (6). This discovery could provide additional information on the structure of the skull over the course of evolution.