Sphenoid Bone

Cranial Bones. Only the end of the wing of the sphenoid bone is visible

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.The sphenoid bone is the only bone that connects to all the other bones of the cranium and its movement is responsible for "milking" the pituitary gland to secrete its hormones.

Sphenoid bone, upper surface

It is divided into the following parts:

• a median portion, known as the body of sphenoid bone, containing the sella turcica, which houses the Pituitary Gland as well as the paired paranasal sinuses, the sphenoidal sinuses
• two greater wings on the lateral side of the body and two lesser wings from the anterior side.
• Pterygoid processes of the sphenoides, directed downwards from the junction of the body and the greater wings.
• Two sphenoidal conchae are situated at the anterior and posterior part of the body.

Seven bones articulate to form the orbit. The sphenoid bone is shown as pink (directly in the middle of the orbital cavity)

See Also

Optic Chiasm

Pineal Gland