Cranial Bones: Sphenoid Bone Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What area of the skull does the sphenoid bone form?

Part of the floor of the cranium

What are three functions of the sphenoid bone?

Unites the cranial and facial bones, strengthens the sides of the skull, mucus from the sphenoidal sinuses helps clean the surfaces of the nasal cavities

What are seven regions or markings on the sphenoid?

Body, sella turica, hypophyseal fossa, sphenoidal sinuses, lesser wings, greater wings, pterygoid processes

What part of the sphenoid does the body make up?

The central axis Signup and view all the answers

What does the sella turica look like and where is it located on the sphenoid bone?

It is a bony, saddle-shaped enclosure on the superior surface of the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the depression found in the sella turica?

Hypophyseal fossa Signup and view all the answers

What is found within the hypophyseal fossa?

The pituitary gland Signup and view all the answers

Where are the sphenoidal sinuses found in the sphenoid bone?

On either side of the body, inferior to the sella turica Signup and view all the answers

Where are the lesser wings of the sphenoid found?

They extend horizontally anterior to the sella turica Signup and view all the answers

Where are the greater wings of the sphenoid found?

They extend laterally from the body and make up part of the cranial floor Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the marking found on the greater wing of the sphenoid?

Sphenoidal spine Signup and view all the answers

What do the pterygoid processes look like and where are they located on the sphenoid bone?

Vertical projections on either side of the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the structures found on the pterygoid process?

Medial pterygoid plate, lateral pterygoid plate Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the pterygoid plates?

Serve as attachment sites for muscles that move the mandible and soft palate Signup and view all the answers

What are the names of the seven foramens that pass through the sphenoid bone?

Optic canals, superior orbital fissure, inferior orbital fissure, foramen lacerum, foramen rotundum, foramen ovale, foramen spinosum Signup and view all the answers

What structure is found within the foramen rotundum?

Maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve Signup and view all the answers

What two structures pass through the optic canals?

Optic nerve, ophthalmic artery Signup and view all the answers

What are the four structures that pass through the superior orbital fissure?

Oculomotor nerve, trochlear nerve, trigeminal nerve, abducens nerve Signup and view all the answers

What structure is found within the foramen ovale?

Mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve Signup and view all the answers

What structure is found within the foramen spinosum?

Blood vessels to membrane around the central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sphenoid Bone Overview

Forms part of the floor of the cranium, providing structural support.
Acts as a connector between cranial and facial bones.

Functions of the Sphenoid Bone

Strengthens sides of the skull to enhance stability.
Sphenoidal sinuses produce mucus that aids in cleaning nasal cavity surfaces.

Regions and Markings of the Sphenoid

Comprises various key regions: body, sella turica, hypophyseal fossa, sphenoidal sinuses, lesser wings, greater wings, and pterygoid processes.

Body and Structure

Central axis of the sphenoid bone is known as the body.

Sella Turica

A saddle-shaped bony structure located superiorly on the body of the sphenoid.

Hypophyseal Fossa

Depression within the sella turica that houses the pituitary gland.

Sphenoidal Sinuses

Located on either side of the body, below the sella turica, these sinuses contribute to mucous drainage.

Lesser Wings

Extend horizontally anterior to the sella turica, contributing to the overall shape of the sphenoid.

Greater Wings

Project laterally from the body, forming part of the cranial floor.

Markings on Greater Wing

Contains the sphenoidal spine, a specific protrusion.

Pterygoid Processes

Feature vertical projections on either side of the body which assist in muscle attachment.

Pterygoid Plates

Comprise medial and lateral plates, serving as muscle attachment points that enable movement of the mandible and soft palate.

foramens of the Sphenoid

Seven foramens traverse the sphenoid bone: optic canals, superior orbital fissure, inferior orbital fissure, foramen lacerum, foramen rotundum, foramen ovale, and foramen spinosum.

Structures Passing Through Foramens

Foramen rotundum contains the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve.
Optic canals house the optic nerve and ophthalmic artery.
Superior orbital fissure carries the oculomotor nerve, trochlear nerve, trigeminal nerve, and abducens nerve.
Foramen ovale accommodates the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve.
Foramen spinosum allows blood vessels to the membranes surrounding the central nervous system.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the sphenoid bone with these flashcards. Learn about its location, functions, and important markings. Ideal for students studying anatomy or preparing for exams.