In the vault hold, which finger is placed on the zygomatic process?

• A. Thumb
• B. Index
• C. Middle
• D. Ring

Answer: (C)

In the vault hold, your goal is light, three-point contact to sense the subtle cranial motions. The zygomatic process of the temporal bone sits as a prominent ridge near the temple, and placing the middle finger directly on that ridge gives a stable, sensitive contact point to feel the motion transmitted through the temporal region. This position lets you detect how the cranial bones move in relation to each other during the cranial rhythmic impulse. The thumb is typically tucked to stabilize the hand, and the other fingers rest on nearby landmarks, but the middle finger on the zygomatic process is the standard contact for this hold.