Key Terms
When learning about head and neck anatomy and the muscular system, it is essential to first look at the terminology to ensure that you understand everything clearly.
Term |
Definition |
Alveolar Process | Portion of the maxillary bones that forms the support for teeth of the maxillary arch |
Anterior | Toward the front |
Arteries | Large blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart |
Buccal | Region of the head that refers to structures closest to the inner cheek |
Cranium | Eight bones that cover and protect the brain |
Deep | Closer to the body’s core |
Fossa | Hollow, grooved, or depressed area in a bone |
Inferior | Structures that are closer to the feet |
Innervation | Supply or distribution of nerves to a specific body part |
Insertion | The other, more movable point of attachment of a muscle; it may be bone, another muscle, or skin |
Lateral | Toward or from the side |
Lateral Pterygoid Plate | Point of origin for internal and external pterygoid muscles |
Masseter | Strongest and most obvious muscle of mastication |
Mental | Region of the head pertaining to or located near the chin |
Origin | The structure (usually a bone) to which the muscle is attached; it doesn’t move |
Posterior | Toward the back |
Pterygoid Process | Process of the sphenoid bone, consisting of two plates |
Sternocleidomastoid | Major cervical muscle |
Superior | Above another portion, or closer to the head |
Superficial | On or near the surface |
Trapezius | Major cervical muscle |
Veins | Blood vessels that carry blood to the heart |
Zygomatic Arch | Arch formed when the temporal process of the zygomatic bone articulates with the zygomatic process of the temporal bone |