Which of the following bones contains the mastoid process?

The temporal bone contains the mastoid process, which is an important feature located posterior to the external acoustic meatus (the ear canal). The mastoid process serves as an attachment point for various neck muscles, specifically the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and its porous structure allows for important communication with the middle ear and air cells within the mastoid region. Understanding the anatomical location of the mastoid process is crucial, as it plays a role in both muscle attachment and potential implications in ear and sinus infections.

The other bones listed do not have a mastoid process. The occipital bone, while important for forming the back of the skull and housing the foramen magnum, lacks the mastoid process. The frontal bone is situated at the forehead and does not participate in any structures related to the mastoid area. Similarly, the sphenoid bone contributes to the base of the skull and surrounds the eye orbits but does not feature a mastoid process. Thus, the temporal bone stands out as the only correct answer for this question regarding the mastoid process's location.