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Smaller and shorter mastoid process?

User J Pollack
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The mastoid process is a bony prominence on the skull that enlarges during childhood, while the stylomastoid foramen is an opening that allows the facial nerve to pass through.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the anatomical features of the skull, specifically the mastoid process and stylomastoid foramen. The mastoid process is a large bony prominence located on the inferior, lateral aspect of the skull, just behind the earlobe, which enlarges during early childhood. The stylomastoid foramen is a small opening between the mastoid process and the downward-projecting styloid process, where the facial nerve exits the skull to supply the facial muscles. The styloid process is an elongated bony process located on the inferior aspect of the skull, serving as an attachment site for muscles and ligaments supporting the hyoid bone.

User Skirodge
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