MASTOID PROCESS MORPHOMETRY ON DRY SKULLS

Objective: Mastoid process is the downward projection from the mastoid part of the temporal bone located posteroinferior to external auditory meatus. Mastoid process is a palpable bony structure which enables to determine the location of asterion. The aim of this study is to define details of mastoid process anatomy to enlighten surgeons, anatomists, anthropologists and forensic experts.Material and Methods: Present study was conducted on 20 skulls (20 left + 20 right=40) and 18 hemi skulls of unknown sex. All measurements were taken by two observers simultaneously by using digital caliper. Of the 58 mastoid processes 30 were right sided and 28 were left sided.Results: Mean and standard deviation of all measurements were reported on each mastoid process. The difference between right A line (distance between right asterion and right apex of mastoid process) and left A line was statistically significant (p=0.022). The difference between right D line (Vertical distance between imaginary plane from the superior border of right external auditory meatus to right apex of mastoid process) and left D line was statistically significant (p<0.001).Conclusion: Mastoid process morphology and its anatomical relations are important for anatomists, neurosurgeons, anthropologists and forensic experts. As it is common centre of interest for multidisciplines, morphometry of this feature should be well defined.