Bone
Sphenoid bone
Keystone of the cranial base
High-yield
Sella turcica holds the pituitary; superior orbital fissure transmits CN III, IV, V1, VI; foramen ovale transmits CN V3; foramen rotundum transmits CN V2.
Overview
A butterfly-shaped bone spanning the cranial floor that articulates with most cranial bones and houses the pituitary gland in the sella turcica.
Reference facts
- Bone type
- Irregular
- Key landmarks
- Body with sella turcica (hypophyseal fossa); Greater and lesser wings; Pterygoid processes; Superior orbital fissure; Optic canal; Foramen rotundum, ovale, and spinosum
- Articulations
- Frontal; Parietal; Temporal; Occipital; Ethmoid; Zygomatic, palatine, vomer bones
Frequently asked questions
What type of bone is the sphenoid bone?
The sphenoid bone is an irregular bone.
What does the sphenoid bone articulate with?
The sphenoid bone articulates with the frontal; Parietal; Temporal; Occipital; Ethmoid; Zygomatic, palatine, vomer bones.
What are the key landmarks of the sphenoid bone?
Key landmarks of the sphenoid bone include the body with sella turcica (hypophyseal fossa); Greater and lesser wings; Pterygoid processes; Superior orbital fissure; Optic canal; Foramen rotundum, ovale, and spinosum.