Themastoid processis a bony projection on the temporal bonelocated behind your ears on each side of your skull.
Due to its location, ear issuessuch as a middle ear infectioncan cause pain at the mastoid process.
This bone also provides an attachment point for several muscles.
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These bones are located on each side of the skull.
Structure
The mastoid process is cone-shaped.
The occipital groove is located on the mastoid process.
It contains the occipital artery, which provides blood to muscles in the back of the neck.
The mastoid process also has a hollow section containing mastoid air cells, which communicate with themiddle ear.
The mastoid cells do not develop until puberty.
These structures are the bony bumps it’s possible for you to feel behind your earlobes.
The top of the mastoid process is bordered by part of the temporal bone, called the mastoid angle.
What’s the Function of the Mastoid Process?
The mastoid process is an attachment point for muscles that move the head and neck.
These include the following:
What Causes Pain in the Mastoid Process?
Mastoiditis Treatment
Mastoiditis can present as a mild infection or lead to life-threatening complications.
Treatment for this condition typically requires hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
A healthcare provider might placetubesin the ear to help avoid future fluid buildup.
When conservative treatment is unsuccessful, a healthcare provider may consider the surgical release of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Surgical treatment for these conditions is rare.
The mastoid processes can be felt behind the ear lobes.
This structure is an attachment point for several head and neck muscles.
It also contains air cells that help drain fluid from the middle ear.
Treatment for these conditions includes antibiotics, stretching, physical therapy, and, in rare cases, surgery.
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