Petrous Crest Courses

A petrous crest, also known as a petrosal crest, is a bony ridge located on the inner surface of the petrous portion of the temporal bone. It is important in a range of functions, including attachment of certain head and neck muscles, support for the internal carotid artery, and the protection of the internal auditory canal. The petrous region of the temporal bone connects the base of the skull to the inner ear. This region contains a number of bony structures, including the petrous crest. This ridge is composed of a band of compact bone located near the inferior portion of the petrous area. It runs in an anteroposterior direction and usually features an anterior convexity and a posterior concavity. The primary role of the petrous crest is to provide attachment for muscles located in the head and neck. Typically, the muscles of mastication (used for chewing), the styloid (used for swallowing), and the levator veli palatini (used for opening the eustachian tube) are connected to this ridge. Additionally, the petrous crest can act as a support for the internal carotid artery, which supplies blood directly to the brain. The petrous crest also helps to protect the internal auditory canal, which is a structure that houses and protects the cochlea, which is an organ responsible for hearing. The internal auditory canal is typically located just above and behind the petrous crest on the petrous portion of the temporal bone. Overall, the petrous crest is an important bony feature of the skull. It plays important functions in the anatomy of humans and has evolved over time to become what it is today.