Hear This Illustration: Sphenoid Bone

Hear This Illustration: Sphenoid bone

The superior view of the cranium is one of the most difficult to decipher. Perhaps the most complex bone in the skull is the sphenoid because it articulates with all of the other cranial bones.

The sphenoid is called the butterfly bone of the skull as it has delicate wings that flare out from its center. Additionally, it has two other “wing-like” pterygoid processes which attach to muscles that move the mandible.

Additionally, the sphenoid has five distinct foramina that allow the passage of important blood vessels or cranial nerves.

One final feature of the sphenoid is the depression known as the sella turcica, which means “Turkish saddle.” Most of the saddle-like depression is filled with the pituitary gland.

Take a few minutes now to study this diagram and identify the five foramina of the sphenoid and the other bones with which it articulates.