Sphenoid Bone revision notes quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary structural feature of the sphenoid bone that houses the pituitary gland?

Pterygoid process

Greater wing

Sella turcica (correct)

Optic canal

How many greater wings are present in the sphenoid bone?

Two (correct)

Three

One

Four

Which of the following is NOT a part of the sphenoid bone?

Temporal process (correct)

Body

Pterygoid process

Lesser wing

The sphenoid sinuses are located beneath which feature?

Sella turcica Signup and view all the answers

What is the orientation of the pterygoid processes in relation to the body of the sphenoid bone?

Posterolaterally Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures passes through the optic canal of the sphenoid bone?

Optic nerve Signup and view all the answers

What shape do the lesser wings of the sphenoid bone have?

Triangular Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct term for the central part of the sphenoid bone?

Body Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial fossa does the sphenoid bone help form?

Middle cranial fossa Signup and view all the answers

In addition to forming part of the skull, the sphenoid bone is involved in the structure of which cavity?

Nasal cavity Signup and view all the answers

What does the lateral plate contribute to in the skull?

Floor of the middle cranial fossa Signup and view all the answers

Which foramen transmits the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve?

Foramen rotundum Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape and size of the medial plate mentioned in the content?

Small and hook-shaped Signup and view all the answers

Which muscles are associated with the medial and lateral pterygoid plates?

Lateral and medial pterygoid muscles Signup and view all the answers

The medial plate is positioned relative to which other anatomical feature?

Lateral plate Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial fossa does the foramen rotundum open into?

Middle cranial fossa Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic feature distinguishes the lateral plate?

It is wider than other plates. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the pterygopalatine fossa play in relation to the trigeminal nerve?

It is a passage for the maxillary division. Signup and view all the answers

Which plate is shorter and has a different function than the lateral plate?

Medial plate Signup and view all the answers

Which structure serves as an origin point for several important cranial nerves?

Foramina in each wing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sphenoid Bone

The sphenoid bone is an irregular, paired bone that contributes to the base and sides of the skull, the floor of the middle cranial fossa, and the nasal cavity.
The sphenoid bone is comprised of four main parts:
- Body: Located centrally and houses the pituitary gland in a saddle-shaped depression called the sella turcica. The sphenoid sinuses, located beneath the sella turcica, drain into the nasal cavity.
- Lesser Wings: Two thin, triangular plates that project superolaterally from the anterior aspect of the body. The lesser wings contain the optic canal, which transmits the optic nerve and ophthalmic artery.
- Greater Wings: Two triangular wings that project posterolaterally from the body. They contribute to the floor of the middle cranial fossa, the lateral wall of the skull, and the orbital floor.
- Pterygoid Processes: These extend from the posterior surface of the body and consist of two plates:
  - Lateral Plate: Wider and shorter, serving as the origin of the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles.
  - Medial Plate: Smaller, inner, and hook-shaped.
Each greater wing contains three foramina:
- Foramen Rotundum: Transmits the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve to the pterygopalatine fossa.

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Description

Explore the structure and parts of the sphenoid bone, an essential component of the skull's base and sides. Learn about its four main sections: the body, lesser wings, greater wings, and pterygoid processes, along with their functions and importance in cranial anatomy.