Which cranial bone contains a petrous portion and mastoid air cells?

The correct choice involves the temporal bone, which is significant in cranial anatomy due to its unique features. The petrous portion of the temporal bone is a dense, rocky structure that houses vital auditory and vestibular apparatuses, including the inner ear. This area is crucial for the transmission of sound and balance.

Additionally, the temporal bone contains mastoid air cells, which are small, air-filled spaces located within the mastoid process, a bony protrusion found behind the ear. These air cells serve several functions, such as helping to equalize pressure in the middle ear and reducing the weight of the skull.

The other cranial bones do not possess these specific features; while they may play roles in the overall structure of the skull and protection of the brain, they do not contain the petrous portion or the mastoid air cells associated with the temporal bone. Thus, the temporal bone's distinctive anatomy directly informs its connection to critical sensory functions, making it the correct answer in this context.