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Answer to Question 6:

Regarding the mandibular fossa, which is false?

a. The roof of the fossa is formed by the squamous portion of the temporal bone.
b. The tympanic portion of the temporal bone forms the posterior wall.
c. The anterior portion of the fossa is formed by the root of the zygomatic arch.
d. There is usually a linear defect where the posterior wall of the fossa joins the roof of the fossa.
e. The external auditory canal lies inferior to the fossa.

The external auditory canal lies posterior to the fossa. The linear defect mentioned in d is the squamotympanic fissure, often mistaken for a fracture line.

The anterior portion of the mandibular fossa is the articular tubercle, which is the anterior root of the zygomatic arch.