Question

a patient has persistent jaw pain after a motor vehicle accident. An X-ray reveals a fracture in the anterior part of the temporal bone. Why . would a fracture in . the anterior . temporal bone cause . jaw pain

Answer 1

Answer:

See explanation below.

Explanation:

The temporal bone is a hard and fortified structure located in the skull with the main function of protecting the brain and housing structures like the cranial nerve, the facial nerve, the internal carotid artery, among others. In addition, the temporomandibular joint connects the mandible to the temporal bone.

A trauma in the temporal bone generally occurs when a person receives a strong head injury or other body injuries. Therefore, as the temporal bone houses structures like the cranial nerve, which is responsible for face sensations and some functions like chewing, and the mandible is connected to the temporal bone, a fracture in this bone could result in jaw pain due its connectivity.