Sphenoid bone

Sphenoid bone
Cranial Bones. Only the end of the wing of the sphenoid bone is visible
Sphenoid bone, upper surface.
Details
Identifiers
Latin	os sphenoidale
MeSH	A02.835.232.781.802
TA	A02.1.05.001
FMA	52736
Anatomical terms of bone []

The sphenoid bone is an unpaired bone of the neurocranium. It is situated in the middle of the skull towards the front, in front of the temporal bone and the basilar part of the occipital bone. The sphenoid bone is one of the seven bones that articulate to form the orbit. Its shape somewhat resembles that of a butterfly or bat with its wings extended.

It is divided into the following parts:

Two sphenoidal conchae are situated at the anterior and inferior part of the body.

The more important of these are:

Note:These ligaments occasionally ossify.

The sphenoid articulates with the frontal, parietal, ethmoid, temporal, zygomatic, palatine, vomer, and occipital bones and helps to connect the neurocranium to the facial skeleton.

Articulates with ethmoid bone anteriorly and basilar part of occipital bone posteriorly. It shows:

Sphenoidal crest articulates with the perpendicular plate of ethmoid leading to formation of a part of the septum of nose.

Basilar part of occipital bone

Carotid sulcus lodging cavernous sinus and internal carotid artery