Sphenoid bone
Learning objectives
After completing this study unit you will be able to:
- Locate the sphenoid bone from different views of the skull.
- Name the four main parts of the sphenoid bone and their features.
- Identify the neurovascular structures and organs related to the bony features of the sphenoid bone.
Watch videos
The sphenoid bone is one of the most complex bones of the skull. It comprises most of the middle part of the base of the skull, contributes to the floor of the middle cranial fossa of the skull, and forms a small portion of the bony orbit.
This video tutorial will provide you with an overview of the sphenoid bone.
Take a quiz
Now that you have watched the videos about the sphenoid bone, solidify your knowledge by taking our quiz.
To challenge yourself further, take a broader quiz about the structures of the skull.
Browse atlas
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:watermark(/images/watermark_5000_10percent.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/overview_image/3398/luV4NgrtN4l2L4BT4FymjQ_sphenoid-bone-anterior_english.jpg){kind=logo}
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Browse the image gallery to study the individual parts and landmarks of the sphenoid bone in more detail.
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/corpus-ossis-sphenoidalis/M8gIxg5LaB0ZgzbjYB7mg_Corpus_ossis_sphenoidalis_01.png "Body of sphenoid bone (Corpus ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/corpus-ossis-sphenoidalis-2/MiUggGu3X17wlBGb9lLwwg_Body_of_sphenoid_01.png "Body of sphenoid bone (Corpus ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/jugum-sphenoidale/PBLV8k0BXj2GQ7qqrR9tug_Jugum_sphenoidale_01.png "Sphenoidal yoke (Jugum sphenoidale); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/sulcus-prechiasmaticus/nktvMyOof0PIZb1rG8Eg_Sulcus_prechiasmaticus_01.png "Chiasmatic sulcus (Sulcus chiasmaticus); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/sella-turcica/KQlQo37GdAR0sbBh1ORolw_Sella_turcica.jpg "Sella turcica of sphenoid bone (Sella turcica ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/dorsum-sellae/UUlbqXyedubjYjVznG3wlw_Dorsum_sellae_01.png "Dorsum sellae of sphenoid bone (Dorsum sellae ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/dorsum-sellae-2/zZ2jd5MBSNoHISZS3GvdOg_Dorsum_sellae_01.png "Dorsum sellae of sphenoid bone (Dorsum sellae ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/tuberculum-sellae/6D54Pnd9L81NnqIDxKE7w_Tuberculum_sellae_01.png "Tuberculum sellae of sphenoid bone (Tuberculum sellae ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/fossa-hypophysialis/77UYD0jnDKq9jIl3wiYeKw_Fossa_hypophysialis_01.png "Hypophyseal fossa of sphenoid bone (Fossa hypophysialis ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/processus-clinoideus-posterior/JnIx7pyWL7IyFSgVkNa30Q_Posterior_clinoid_process.png "Posterior clinoid process of sphenoid bone (Processus clinoideus posterior ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/posterior-clinoid-process-2/xQIVUTWvgHRxPag9CKRwA_Posterior_clinoid_process_02.png "Posterior clinoid process of sphenoid bone (Processus clinoideus posterior ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/sulcus-caroticus/ulOr267ztMUfgyGsZXn2ZQ_Sulcus_caroticus_01.png "Carotid sulcus of sphenoid bone (Sulcus carotidis ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/sulcus-caroticus-ossis-sphenoidalis/ZjiCGceMBfWv5D5E7QyFhw_Carotid_groove_01.png "Carotid sulcus of sphenoid bone (Sulcus carotidis ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/crista-sphenoidalis/Is516n7HVzI1qv3j5AyAkQ_Sphenoidal_crest_01.png "Sphenoidal crest (Crista sphenoidalis); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/sphenoidal-rostrum/IMLyvJqj1r3vMX95bYVS8g_Sphenoidal_rostrum_02.png "Sphenoidal rostrum (Rostrum sphenoidale); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/sinus-sphenoidalis/C3lAyQ47ETSQOnqloQ_Sinus_sphenoidalis_01.png "Sphenoidal sinus (Sinus sphenoidalis); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/sinus-sphenoidalis-2/5k2Q3k0zIRBZoPQaGlADfw_Opening_of_sphenoidal_sinus_01.png "Sphenoidal sinus (Sinus sphenoidalis); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/concha-sphenoidalis/t4MumchwyeRTXoaxFdXp1Q_Sphenoidal_conchae_01.png "Sphenoidal concha (Concha sphenoidalis); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/ala-minor-os-sphenoidale-4/CCLpZr4Mz41rICs8WZpTpw_Lesser_wing_of_sphenoid_bone_01.png "Lesser wing of sphenoid bone (Ala minor ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/ala-minor-os-sphenoidale-2/K8ypQFbU7ywwmBTY8SDGOw_Ala_minor_ossis_sphenoidalis_01.png "Lesser wing of sphenoid bone (Ala minor ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/optic-canal-2/JCm9A4JEjxZCNdjvSfDdgw_Canalis_opticus_02.png "Optic canal (Canalis opticus); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/processus-clinoideus-anterior/8i6opFv9hkfVQpet0O8wg_Proc._clinoideus_anterior_01.png "Anterior clinoid process of sphenoid bone (Processus clinoideus anterior ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/anterior-clinoid-process-3/6xTy3QFG07yrBvyZ4hFHSQ_Anterior_clinoid_process_02.png "Anterior clinoid process of sphenoid bone (Processus clinoideus anterior ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/greater-wing-of-sphenoid-bone-4/l2qynbDXYjVzKju6adazA_Greater_wing_of_sphenoid_bone_02.png "Greater wing of sphenoid bone (Ala major ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/ala-major-os-sphenoidale-2/F15qFxb7grhaQG1yp81vmw_Ala_major_ossis_sphenoidalis_01.png "Greater wing of sphenoid bone (Ala major ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/facies-cerebralis-alae-majoris-ossis-sphenoidalis/CbgHtyEnOX6W9s1Dwvv9Q_Cerebral_surface_of_greater_wing_01.png "Cerebral surface of sphenoid bone (Facies cerebralis alae majoris ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/facies-temporalis-alaris-majoris-ossis-sphenoidalis/UJFwOa2VAFuv0xjn0oNyaQ_Temporal_surface_of_greater_wing_01.png "Temporal surface of greater wing of sphenoid bone (Facies temporalis alae majoris ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/crista-infratemporalis-2/sUW8n5MmaYfFcQiPnpIh7A_Infratemporal_crest_01.png "Infratemporal crest of sphenoid bone (Crista infratemporalis ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/facies-maxillaris-alaris-majoris-ossis-sphenoidalis/aj4HxxUKzGFBV8b9tZkg_Maxillary_surface_01.png "Maxillary surface of greater wing of sphenoid bone (Facies maxillaris alae majoris ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/facies-orbitalis-alaris-majoris-ossis-sphenoidalis/qcyHlQc18gHSwmtIKlTqA_Orbital_surface_of_greater_wing_01.png "Orbital surface of greater wing of sphenoid bone (Facies orbitalis alae majoris ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/orbital-surface-of-greater-wing-of-sphenoid-bone-1/dDpbdd7JmDUMxjfY8Wk9A_orbital_surface_of_greater_wing_of_sphenoid_bone.png "Orbital surface of greater wing of sphenoid bone (Facies orbitalis alae majoris ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Paul Kim"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/foramen-rotundum/yvTmzU0WG5KrgyMa90o0Vg_Foramen_rotundum.jpg "Foramen rotundum; Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/foramen-rotundum-4/rPoCfcrCJVogRMGSq2CtA_Foramen_rotundum_04.png "Foramen rotundum; Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/foramen-ovale-2/YFlgD7ha1iBsFXCY4tKcQ_Foramen_ovale_01.png "Foramen ovale; Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/foramen-spinosum-2/efQPYv6V6n52MylBEju8Q_Foramen_spinosum.jpg "Foramen spinosum; Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/sulcus-tubae-auditivae/tNg1Sa8xFu0wxibwtmUUcg_Sulcus_for_auditory_tube_01.png "Sulcus of auditory tube of sphenoid bone (Sulcus tubae auditivae ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/pterygoid-process-of-sphenoid-bone-3/rGbzYXO0013KMUOlpGCXDA_Pterygoid_process_02.png "Pterygoid process of sphenoid bone (Processus pterygoideus ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/processus-pterygoideus-ossis-sphenoidalis-2/IppTZbgBmLAMBoWO4wq5oQ_Proc._pterygoideus_01.png "Pterygoid process of sphenoid bone (Processus pterygoideus ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/medial-plate-of-pterygoid-process-3/MXryF7GNNsiivYnZ5oajcQ_Medial_pterygoid_plate_02.png "Medial plate of pterygoid process of sphenoid bone (Lamina medialis processus pterygoidei ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/lamina-medialis-processus-pterygoideus/U7TtfyXMkLx08hJTVNil2w_Lamina_medialis_01.png "Medial plate of pterygoid process of sphenoid bone (Lamina medialis processus pterygoidei ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/lamina-lateralis-processus-pterygoidei-3/B63p9EX9qVqunOrkyKpA_Lateral_pterygoid_plate_01.png "Lateral plate of pterygoid process of sphenoid bone (Lamina lateralis processus pterygoidei ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Samantha Zimmerman"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/lamina-lateralis-processus-pterygoideus/Ej6KUXwZSEkMWatif7Drxw_Lamina_lateralis_01.png "Lateral plate of pterygoid process of sphenoid bone (Lamina lateralis processus pterygoidei ossis sphenoidalis); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
Body of sphenoid bone
Corpus ossis sphenoidalis
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Synonyms:
Corpus ossis sphenoidei
Summary
| Main parts | Body (median portion) Greater wing (lateral portion) Lesser wings (anterior portion) Pterygoid processes (directed inferiorly) |
| Sutures | Sphenofrontal suture with frontal bone Sphenoparietal suture with parietal bone Sphenosquamosal suture with temporal bone Spheno-occipital suture with occipital bone (disappears by age 25 as bones fuse together) |
| Relations |
Body: anteriorly contributes to nasal cavity; laterally - optic canal; superiorly - sella turcica, hypophyseal fossa, dorsum sellae Lesser wings: superolaterally - optic canal; inferiorly - lateral margin of orbit; superiorly - cranial cavity; together with body and greater wings builds superior orbital fissure Greater wings: anteriorly - posterior aspect of lateral orbital wall; contain foramen ovale and foramen spinosum Pterygoid processes: contain pterygoid canal and palatovaginal canal |
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