A hollow bony structure on the ventral, posterior portion of the skull of placental mammals that encloses parts of the middle and inner ear. In most species, it is formed by the tympanic part of the temporal bone. [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auditory_bulla ]
Term information
In extant primates, the structure is found in tarsiers, lemurs, and lorises[WP]. When present in marsupials, it usually forms the alisphenoid; in placentals variously constructed of ectotympanic, entotympanic, petrosal, or a combination of these and others
Term relations
- bony projection
- surrounds some tympanic cavity
- part of some ear
- part of some dermatocranium
- in taxon some Theria