The pterion is the junction of which four bones, and why is it clinically significant?
- A Parietal, occipital, temporal, sphenoid; overlies venous sinuses
- B Frontal, parietal, temporal, sphenoid; thinnest part of skull, overlies middle meningeal artery ✓
- C Frontal, nasal, lacrimal, maxillary; site of naso-orbital fractures
- D Frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital; underlies Broca's area
Correct answer: B. Frontal, parietal, temporal, sphenoid; thinnest part of skull, overlies middle meningeal artery
Explanation
The pterion is the H-shaped sutural junction of the frontal, parietal, temporal (squamous part), and greater wing of the sphenoid bones, located approximately 4 cm above the midpoint of the zygomatic arch. It is the thinnest and weakest part of the lateral skull wall and lies directly over the anterior division of the middle meningeal artery. A blow to the temple can fracture the pterion and rupture the underlying artery, causing an extradural hematoma.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.