Temporal Bone Anatomy
Frontal Bone Anatomy
Last update:
Introduction to Frontal Bone Anatomy:
The 
frontal bone (L., frons – forehead) is a cranial bone of the skull that surrounds and protects the anterior portion of brain.
The anterior, lateral, coronal, and cranial floor views of the frontal bone
- It is divided into vertical and horizontal parts.
- The vertical or squamous part (squama frontalis) is a broad, flattened extension that forms the . [squamous part]
The squamous part of the frontal bone
- The horizontal or orbital part (pars orbitalis) consists of two plates that form the roofs of the orbits and nasal cavities. [Cranial floor view]
Master bone anatomy using these interactive quizzes and labeling exercises.
The orbital part of the frontal bone
Markings of the Frontal Bone:
- The superciliary arch or supraorbital ridge (arcus superciliaris frontalis) is a smooth, arched, elevation above the orbit, which forms the eyebrow ridge. [Anterior view/Lateral view]
The superciliary arch of the frontal bone
- The glabella (glabella frontalis) is a smooth prominence located above the nasal bones (or nose) and between the superciliary arches (or eyebrow arches). [Anterior view/Lateral view]
The glabella of the frontal bone
- The supraorbital notch or foramen (incisura supraobitalis frontalis; foramen supra-orbitae frontalis) is a notch or small hole located along the superior margin of the orbit. It serves as a passageway for the supraorbital vessels and nerve. [Anterior view]
The supraorbital notch/foramen of the frontal bone
- The orbital surface or plate (facies orbitalis frontalis) is a horizontal extension that forms the roof of the orbit and nasal cavity. [Anterior view/Cranial floor view]
The Orbital surface of the frontal bone
- The zygomatic process (processus zygomaticus frontalis) is an inferior extension of the squamous part of the frontal bone that joins with the frontal process of the zygomatic bone. [Frontal view/Lateral view]
The zygomatic process of the frontal bone
- The frontal sinus (sinus frontalis) is a large cavity located above the orbit and deep to the superciliary arch. [Anterior view/Coronal view]
The frontal sinus of the frontal bone
- The cavity secretes mucous into the nasal cavity, lightens the skull, and resonates the voice.
Test yourself:
Anterior view: [Show/Hide answers]
Test yourself - anterior view
Test yourself:
Lateral view: [Show/Hide answers]
Test yourself - lateral view
Test yourself:
Cranial floor view: [Show/Hide answers]
Test yourself - cranial floor view
Test yourself:
Test yourself - coronal view
Related Articles
Temporal Bone Anatomy
The temporal bones are facial bones which located at the sides and base of the skull, and lateral to the temporal lobes of the cerebral cortex.
Sphenoid Bone
The Sphenoid bone is a butterfly-shaped cranial bone that is located in the middle of the skull between the frontal and temporal bones.
Parietal Bone Anatomy
The parietal bone is a large, thin, four-sided cranial bone that makes up much of the top and sides of the cranium. Learn about the different markings of the parietal bone.
