Temporal Bone

The temporal bones (pink in the image to the right) are bilaterally located on the lateral surface of the neurocranium. The external surface is considered the squamous part (smooth) and the internal surface is considered the petrous part (rough; rocky).

Each temporal bone is covered by a temporalis muscle and the temporal bones house the ossicles of the middle ear.

The zygomatic process extends from the temporal bone to create the zygomatic arch along with the maxillary bone and its temporal process.

CN VII (facial) and CN VIII (vestibulocochlear) pass through the temporal bone via the internal acoustic meatus. 

The carotid canal is also located in the petrous part of the temporal bone, allowing the internal carotid artery to enter the skull.