stylomastoïde

Stylomastoïde is an anatomical adjective referring to the stylomastoid region of the temporal bone, most often in connection with the stylomastoid process and the stylomastoid foramen. The term denotes structures associated with the area where the temporal bone’s styloid and mastoid parts meet.

The stylomastoid process is a small, conical projection on the temporal bone located posterolateral to the external acoustic meatus. The stylomastoid foramen (foramen stylomastoideum) lies between the styloid and mastoid processes, serving as the exit point for the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) from the cranial cavity as it completes its intraosseous course and enters the parotid region. This region is an important anatomic landmark in ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgery and radiologic evaluation of the temporal bone.

Clinically, involvement of the stylomastoïde region can affect facial nerve function. Trauma, fracture, or surgical procedures near the stylomastoid foramen may result in facial palsy or other neuropathies. Imaging modalities such as CT or MRI focus on this region to assess the integrity of the temporal bone, the facial nerve pathway, and surrounding soft tissues.

Etymology and usage: stylomastoïde combines elements referring to the styloid and mastoid components of the temporal bone. In English-language contexts, the corresponding term is stylomastoid; stylomastoïde appears in French and related nomenclature for anatomical descriptions of this region.