mastoid process

mastoid process definition - medical

mastoid process

noun
  1. A conical protuberance of the posterior portion of the temporal bone that is situated behind the ear and serves as a site of muscle attachment. Also called mastoid bone.
  2. The part of the first pharyngeal arch in the embryo, developing into the upper jaw in the embryo.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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