Answer:
Option A, temporal
Explanation:
The temporal bones are the two lateral bones of the skull inferior to the parietal bones and adjacent to the zygomatic bones and occipital bone near where the superior portions of the mandible (jaw) meets the side of the cranium. Essentially, it is the bone that the ear sits upon.
One of the anatomical features of the temporal bone's surface is the external auditory meatus, also known as the ear canal, a hole in the bone through which the the structures of the middle and inner ear transport soundwaves to be interpreted by the vestibulocochlear nerve of the brain.
Why Not Other Choices:
The aforementioned mandible is the jaw bone responsible for opening and closing the mouth, necessary for speech and mastication (chewing) as it houses the bottom row of teeth. It is not needed to transport soundwaves that enter the skull, nor does it contain the ear canal.
The frontal bone is the cranial bone commonly known as the forehead.
The maxilla is the bone inferior to the nasal bones that comprises the top portion of the mouth, housing the top row of teeth, making it also a necessary anatomical structure for talking and mechanical breakdown of food.
