Which cranial bone contains the external auditory meatus?

The correct choice is the temporal bone, which is significant because it plays a crucial role in hearing and balance. The external auditory meatus, also known as the ear canal, is a passage that leads from the outer ear to the eardrum. This structure is located on the lateral aspect of the temporal bone, specifically in its squamous part.

The temporal bone encompasses several important features related to auditory functions, including the structures that form the inner, middle, and outer ear. Its proximity to the auditory structures highlights its importance in the auditory system. Additionally, the temporal bone is involved in forming the base of the skull and houses the organs of hearing and equilibrium, which are essential for processing sound and maintaining balance.

Other cranial bones mentioned do not contain the external auditory meatus. The frontal bone is located at the forehead and is primarily associated with the forehead and upper part of the eye sockets. The parietal bone forms the upper sides and roof of the skull but does not contain any auditory structures. The sphenoid bone is located in the middle of the skull and has a complex structure but does not feature the external auditory meatus, as its primary functions relate to supporting the skull and forming a part of the eye socket and nasal cavity.