Pterion

Template:Infobox Anatomy

WikiDoc Resources for Pterion

Articles

Most recent articles on Pterion

Most cited articles on Pterion

Review articles on Pterion

Articles on Pterion in N Eng J Med, Lancet, BMJ

Media

Powerpoint slides on Pterion

Images of Pterion

Photos of Pterion

Podcasts & MP3s on Pterion

Videos on Pterion

Evidence Based Medicine

Cochrane Collaboration on Pterion

Bandolier on Pterion

TRIP on Pterion

Clinical Trials

Ongoing Trials on Pterion at Clinical Trials.gov

Trial results on Pterion

Clinical Trials on Pterion at Google

Guidelines / Policies / Govt

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Pterion

NICE Guidance on Pterion

NHS PRODIGY Guidance

FDA on Pterion

CDC on Pterion

Books

Books on Pterion

News

Pterion in the news

Be alerted to news on Pterion

News trends on Pterion

Commentary

Blogs on Pterion

Definitions

Definitions of Pterion

Patient Resources / Community

Patient resources on Pterion

Discussion groups on Pterion

Patient Handouts on Pterion

Directions to Hospitals Treating Pterion

Risk calculators and risk factors for Pterion

Healthcare Provider Resources

Symptoms of Pterion

Causes & Risk Factors for Pterion

Diagnostic studies for Pterion

Treatment of Pterion

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

CME Programs on Pterion

International

Pterion en Espanol

Pterion en Francais

Business

Pterion in the Marketplace

Patents on Pterion

Experimental / Informatics

List of terms related to Pterion

Please Take Over This Page and Apply to be Editor-In-Chief for this topic: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [1] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.

## Contents

* 1 Overview
* 2 Location
* 3 Clinical significance
* 4 Etymology
* 5 External links

## Overview

[edit | edit source]

The point corresponding with the posterior end of the sphenoparietal suture is named the pterion.

## Location

[edit | edit source]

It is situated about 3 cm. behind, and a little above the level of the zygomatic process of the frontal bone.

It marks the junction between four bones:

* the parietal bone
* the temporal bone
* the sphenoid bone
* the frontal bone

## Clinical significance

[edit | edit source]

The pterion is known as the weakest part of the skull.

Clinically, the pterion is relevant because the middle meningeal artery runs beneath it, on the inner side of the skull, which is quite thin at this point.

A blow to the pterion (e.g. in boxing) may rupture the artery causing an  extradural haematoma.

## Etymology

[edit | edit source]

The pterion receives its name from the Greek root pteron, meaning "wing".

In Greek mythology, Hermes, messenger of the Gods, was enabled to fly by winged sandals, and wings on his head, which were attached at the pterion.

## External links

[edit | edit source]

* Diagram at shoshinryu.com
* Template:SUNYAnatomyFigs
* Diagram - look for #24 (source here)
* Template:EMedicineDictionary

Template:Gray's Template:Sutures Template:SIB Template:WH Template:WS