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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Ellipsoidal (Condyloid) Joints
    e.g., wrist
    Ethmoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the nasal cavity and the orbit.
    Iliolumbar Ligament
    Ligament connecting the ilium and lumbar vertebrae.
    Coccyx
    Tailbone, the remnant of the tail in humans.
    Palatine Bones
    Bones forming part of the hard palate and nasal cavity.
    Ilium
    Uppermost and largest part of the hip bone.
    Flexor and Extensor Groups
    Muscles responsible for flexing and extending the hand and wrist.
    Sartorius
    Longest muscle in the body responsible for hip flexion.
    Lacrimal Bones
    Bones forming part of the eye socket and housing the tear ducts.
    Temporalis
    Muscle involved in closing the jaw.
    Coracoacromial Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the coracoid process.
    Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the joint.
    Diaphragm
    Primary muscle for breathing.
    Ribs (12 Pairs)
    12 pairs of bones that form the sides of the thoracic cage.
    Skull
    Bony structure of the head that encases the brain.
    Phalanges (14 bones)
    14 bones forming the toes.
    Sternocleidomastoid
    Muscle that rotates and flexes the neck.
    Flexor Tendons
    Tendons that help flex the fingers and toes.
    Pubis
    Part of the pelvis that joins with the opposite side to form the pubic symphysis.
    Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 - L5)
    Vertebrae in the lower back (L1-L5).
    Zygomatic Bones
    Cheekbones that form part of the orbit.
    Facial Bones
    Bones forming the structure of the face.
    Nasal Bones
    Bones forming the bridge of the nose.
    Tibialis Anterior
    Muscle that dorsiflexes and inverts the foot.
    Gluteus Maximus
    Largest muscle in the buttocks responsible for hip extension.

    Frontal Bone

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Bone forming the forehead and upper part of the orbits.

    1. Overview

    The frontal bone is a flat, unpaired cranial bone that forms the forehead, the superior part of the orbits (eye sockets), and the anterior part of the cranial floor. It plays a vital role in protecting the frontal lobes of the brain and contributes to the shape and structure of the upper face. The frontal bone is part of the neurocranium and has both protective and structural functions.

    2. Location

    The frontal bone is located in the anterior region of the skull:

    • Superiorly: Forms the forehead and part of the anterior cranial vault.

    • Inferiorly: Contributes to the roof of the orbits and the nasal cavity.

    • Laterally: Articulates with the parietal bones at the coronal suture and with the zygomatic bones at the frontozygomatic suture.

    • Posteriorly: Connects with the parietal bones via the coronal suture.

    3. Structure

    The frontal bone is a flat bone with distinct anatomical features:

    • Squamous part (forehead region): Broad and flat; extends upward from the orbits.

    • Orbital part: Forms the roof of each orbit and part of the floor of the anterior cranial fossa.

    • Nasal part: Articulates with the nasal bones and the frontal processes of the maxillae.

    • Glabella: Smooth area between the eyebrows, just above the nasal bridge.

    • Supraorbital margin: The superior rim of the orbit, containing the supraorbital foramen or notch for passage of vessels and nerves.

    • Frontal sinuses: Paired air-filled cavities within the bone, located above the orbits; variable in size and shape.

    • Sutures: The frontal bone fuses with the parietal bones at the coronal suture and may have a persistent metopic suture in some adults (normally fuses during childhood).

    4. Function

    The frontal bone serves several key structural and protective functions:

    • Protects the brain: Shields the frontal lobes from trauma.

    • Forms the forehead: Provides the contour and shape of the upper face.

    • Supports the orbits: Contributes to the orbital roof and thus protects the eyes.

    • Attachment point for facial muscles: Especially for muscles involved in facial expression (e.g., frontalis).

    5. Physiological role(s)

    Besides structural and protective roles, the frontal bone has several physiological contributions:

    • Frontal sinuses: Reduce the weight of the skull, produce mucus to humidify air, and contribute to voice resonance.

    • Neurovascular passage: The supraorbital foramen allows passage of the supraorbital nerve and vessels supplying the forehead and scalp.

    • Muscle interface: Supports the function of the epicranius muscle, which is responsible for forehead movement and facial expressions like raising the eyebrows.

    6. Clinical Significance

    The frontal bone is associated with several clinical considerations:

    • Fractures:

      • Frontal bone fractures, especially involving the frontal sinus or orbital roof, are often the result of high-impact trauma and may be associated with brain injury or CSF leaks.

    • Frontal sinusitis:

      • Inflammation or infection of the frontal sinuses can lead to headache, facial pain, and nasal congestion; may require drainage or antibiotics.

    • Persistent metopic suture:

      • In some adults, the metopic suture fails to fuse completely, which can be mistaken for a skull fracture on radiographs.

    • Craniotomy site:

      • The frontal bone is commonly accessed during neurosurgical procedures (e.g., frontal craniotomy) to reach the frontal lobes of the brain.

    • Congenital anomalies:

      • Craniosynostosis (premature fusion of cranial sutures) involving the coronal suture can lead to abnormal forehead shape and brain development issues.

    Did you know? Each human hand has 27 bones.