Sphenoid bone

The sphenoid bone (from Greek sphenoeides, "wedgelike") is a bone situated at the base of the skull in front of the temporals and basilar part of the occipital bone.

The sphenoid bone somewhat resembles a butterfly or bat with its wings extended.

Portions

It is divided into the following parts:

• a median portion, known as the body of sphenoid bone
• two greater wings and two lesser wings
• Pterygoid processes of the sphenoides which project from it posteriorly (below)

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

Named features

Various other named features of the sphenoid bone exist:

• pterygoid notch
• pterygoid fossa
• scaphoid fossa
• pterygoid hamulus
• pterygoid canal
• pterygospinous process

Additional images

See also

• Bone terminology
• Ossification of the sphenoid
• Pterygospinal ligament
• Terms for anatomical location

External links

• - "Lateral view of skull."