CoursesAnatomyHead and neckSkullEthmoid bone

CoursesAnatomyHead and neckSkullEthmoid bone

Ethmoid bone

Learning objectives

After completing this study unit you will be able to:

Describe the location of the ethmoid bone.
Identify the ethmoid bone’s major landmarks.
List the 13 bones that articulate with the ethmoid bone.

Watch video

The ethmoid is a small fragile bone located in the midline of the anterior skull. It sits in the anterior cranial fossa, medial to the orbits and slightly superoposterior to the nasal cavity. Due to its position, it contributes to forming the medial orbital walls, the nasal septum, as well as the roof and lateral walls of the nasal cavity.

The ethmoid bone is a pneumatized bone, meaning that it is full of air cells (spaces), and has been compared to an ice cube, in size, shape and weight. It is a complex shaped bone with a number of named parts. Learn all about the ethmoid bone in the video below.

Take a quiz

Now that you have watched the video about the ethmoid bone, solidify your knowledge by taking the following quiz.

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Summary

Key points about the ethmoid bone
Location	The ethmoid bone is located in the anterior cranial fossa, medial to the orbits and slightly superoposterior to the nasal cavity.
Landmarks	Crista galli, ala of crista galli, cribriform plate of ethmoid bone, perpendicular plate, ethmoidal labyrinth, ethmoidal cells, orbital plate, ethmoid bulla, uncinate process, supreme nasal concha, superior nasal concha, middle nasal concha, ethmoidal infundibulum
Articulating bones	Frontal, sphenoid, nasals (2), maxillae (2), lacrimals (2), palatines (2), inferior nasal conchae (2) and the vomer.

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