Sphenoid bone articulates with what ?
o articulates will all cranial bones and palatine, zygomatic, maxilla and vomer bones of facial complex
Shape ?
shaped like a giant bat with wing extending from one side to the other across floor of cranium
o sella turcica
central prominence on superior surface of sphenoid bone
• cradles pituitary gland
o greater wings of sphenoid bone
extend laterally from sella turcica and immediately anterior to temporal bone
2 parts of greater wings of sphenoid bone
- foramen rotundum – medially and anteriorly located
- foramen ovale – laterally and posteriorly located
- carry blood vessels and nerves to structures of orbit, face and jaws
o lesser wings of sphenoid bone
ridge and wings anterior to sella turcica form that articulates with frontal bone
• optic groove
transverse groove with optic canals carries optic nerve from eyes to brain
• superior orbital fissure
inferior surface forming part of orbit and passageway for blood vessels and nerves
o pterygoid processes
vertical projections from inferior surface between greater and lesser wings
• medial and lateral plates attachment site for muscles that help move the mandible and soft palate
