Frontalben

Frontalben is not a standard term in modern anatomy; it is sometimes used informally to refer to the frontal bone of the skull, known in Latin as os frontale. The frontal bone is a central cranial bone that forms the forehead and contributes to the eye sockets and the nasal area.

Anatomy and surface features: The frontal bone consists of a squamous part that forms the forehead, an orbital part that contributes to the roof of the orbits, and a nasal part that helps shape the upper part of the nasal cavity. It also bears a zygomatic process that articulates with the zygomatic bone to form the lateral orbital wall. The frontal sinuses are air-filled cavities within the squamous part, which vary in size and presence among individuals.

Articulations and sutures: The frontal bone articulates with the parietal bones at the coronal suture, with the ethmoid and sphenoid bones in the interior of the skull, and with the nasal bones and the maxilla in the facial region. In infancy, a prominent metopic suture may traverse the forehead, but it typically fuses during childhood.

Development and growth: The frontal bone develops mainly by intramembranous ossification, beginning in the fetal period and continuing into adolescence as the skull enlarges and the frontal sinuses mature.

Clinical relevance: Frontal bone fractures can occur from blunt trauma and may involve the frontal sinus. Frontal sinusitis is a potential complication when the sinus drainage is impeded. Variations in sinus size and the presence or absence of the frontal sinus are common and can influence sinus-related conditions. Cranial sutures involving the frontal bone are monitored in pediatric craniofacial disorders.

See also: Os frontale, frontal sinuses, cranial sutures.