[Area and topography of the air cells of the mastoid and temporal squama in persons of different ages].

Age changeability of the area and topography of the mastoid air cells and squama temporalis projections have been studied in 276 skull roentgenograms of human beings at the age of 1-78 years to estimate pneumatization areas; common planimetric techniques have been applied. The quantitative material obtained have been treated biometrically. In order to study topography of the mastoid air cells projections on th mastoid process, the trepanation triangle contrasted prior to roentgenography has served as the reference point. Pneumatization of the mastoid process and the squama temporalis has been stated to occur in 85-90% of people regardless of their age. In children before 7 years of age, the pneumatization process proceeds slowly. The projection area of the mastoid air cells and squama temporalis in children at the age of 1 year, 2-3 and 4-7 years has no statistically significant differences. The mastoid process pneumatization is intensive in children at the age of 8-13 years, that of squama temporalis--during the same age interval and in adolescence. In all age groups the projection area of the mastoid air cells demonstrates great individual variations. There are not statistically significant differences between average values of the projection area of the mastoid air cells on the left and right sides in all age groups studied. Projection of the mastoid air cells on the trepanation triangle has certain age variations. In children at the age of 8-13 years, it does not significantly differ from that in mature persons.