Bone
Sphenoid bone
Central skull-base bone with major nerve passages
High-yield
The superior orbital fissure carries CN III, IV, V1 and VI. V2 crosses foramen rotundum and V3 crosses foramen ovale. The pituitary lies in the hypophyseal fossa of the sella turcica.
Overview
The sphenoid links several cranial and facial bones across the skull base. A central body contains the sphenoid sinuses and supports the pituitary fossa; paired wings and pterygoid processes extend outward and downward.
Reference facts
- Bone type
- Irregular cranial bone
- Key landmarks
- Body and sella turcica, greater and lesser wings, pterygoid processes, superior orbital fissures, optic canals, and foramina rotundum, ovale and spinosum
- Articulations
- Frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, ethmoid, zygomatic, palatine and vomer bones
Clinical correlation
The pituitary’s position above the sphenoid sinus allows a transsphenoidal surgical approach through the nose. Cavernous sinuses flank the sphenoid body, placing major vessels and cranial nerves beside the pituitary region.
Frequently asked questions
What type of bone is the sphenoid bone?
The sphenoid bone is an irregular cranial bone bone.
What does the sphenoid bone articulate with?
The sphenoid bone articulates with the frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, ethmoid, zygomatic, palatine and vomer bones.
What are the key landmarks of the sphenoid bone?
Body and sella turcica, greater and lesser wings, pterygoid processes, superior orbital fissures, optic canals, and foramina rotundum, ovale and spinosum.