Imaging Anatomy of the Temporal Bone.

The temporal bone houses the external ear, middle ear, and inner ear structures, which are crucial for hearing and balance, as well as multiple critical structures associated with it including cranial nerves and vasculature. This review article serves to orientate and educate radiologists and clinicians of the key structures and their important spatial relationships within the temporal bone that are commonly encountered on imaging. A solid anatomic foundation facilitates thorough systematic interpretation of the temporal bone, aids in the formulation of differential diagnoses affecting the different sites and structures within it, and facilitates surgical planning.