Anatomy of the temporal bone

High resolution computed tomography has proved to be invaluable in the evaluation of the temporal bone, and demonstrates its bony anatomy in exquisite detail. Furthermore, the role of magnetic resonance imaging, especially with improving high resolution techniques, has continued to expand in the past decade. A thorough understanding of normal temporal bone anatomy is a requisite for accurate radiologic evaluation. The ensuing discussion is an attempt to summarize the normal temporal bone anatomy with emphasis on clinically relevant structures, temporal bone pneumatization, and common anatomic variants.