Understanding and etymologizing the bones of the face and head

Frontal bone (Latin: os frontale) - This is the bone that forms the forehead and the roof of the orbits. The word "frontal" comes from the Latin word "frons," which means "forehead."

Parietal bones (Latin: ossa parietalia) - These are the two bones that form the sides and top of the skull. The word "parietal" comes from the Latin word "paries," which means "wall."

Temporal bones (Latin: ossa temporalia) - These are the bones that form the sides and base of the skull. They contain the middle ear and the temporalis muscle. The word "temporal" comes from the Latin word "tempus," which means "time."

Occipital bone (Latin: os occipitale) - This is the bone that forms the back of the skull and the base of the foramen magnum, which is the opening through which the spinal cord passes. The word "occipital" comes from the Latin word "occeps," which means "back of the head."

Sphenoid bone (Greek: σφηνοειδές, sphēnoeidēs) - This is a complex bone that forms the middle of the skull. It contains the sella turcica, which is the depression that houses the pituitary gland. The word "sphenoid" comes from the Greek word "σφηνός," sphênos, which means "wedge."

Ethmoid bone (Greek: ἔθμον, ethmos) - This is a small bone that forms the roof of the nasal cavity and the floor of the anterior cranial fossa. The word "ethmoid" comes from the Greek word "ἔθμος," ethmos, which means "sieve."

Zygomatic bones (Greek: ζυγοειδής, zygoeidēs) - These are the two bones that form the prominence of the cheeks. The word "zygomatic" comes from the Greek word "ζυγον," zygon, which means "yoke."

Maxillae (Latin: maxillae) - These are the two bones that form the upper jaw and contain the upper teeth. The word "maxillae" comes from the Latin word "maxilla," which means "jaw."

Mandible (Latin: mandibula) - This is the largest bone in the face. It forms the lower jaw and contains the lower teeth. The word "mandible" comes from the Latin word "mandere," which means "to chew."