Wing of sphenoid bone

The wing of sphenoid bone is a critical anatomical structure of the sphenoid bone, which is a complex bone located at the base of the skull. The sphenoid bone is often described as being butterfly-shaped due to its unique structure, which includes two pairs of wings: the greater wings and the lesser wings.

Anatomy

The sphenoid bone is situated in the middle of the skull towards the front, in front of the temporal bone and basilar part of the occipital bone. The wings of the sphenoid bone extend laterally from the central body of the sphenoid.

Greater Wings

The greater wings are larger and extend from the sides of the body of the sphenoid bone. They contribute to the formation of the middle cranial fossa, the orbits, and the temporal fossa. The greater wings also contain several important foramina, including the foramen rotundum, foramen ovale, and foramen spinosum, which allow the passage of nerves and blood vessels.

Lesser Wings

The lesser wings are smaller and more superiorly positioned compared to the greater wings. They form part of the floor of the anterior cranial fossa and the posterior part of the roof of the orbit. The lesser wings also contain the optic canal, through which the optic nerve and ophthalmic artery pass.

Function

The wings of the sphenoid bone play a crucial role in the structural integrity of the skull. They provide attachment points for various muscles and ligaments and form part of the bony framework that protects the brain and sensory organs.

Clinical Significance

Fractures or abnormalities in the wings of the sphenoid bone can lead to significant clinical issues, including cranial nerve damage, vision problems, and skull base fractures. Conditions such as sphenoid wing dysplasia are associated with genetic disorders like neurofibromatosis type 1.

Related Pages

• Sphenoid bone
• Greater wing of sphenoid bone
• Lesser wing of sphenoid bone
• Middle cranial fossa
• Anterior cranial fossa
• Optic canal
• Foramen rotundum
• Foramen ovale
• Foramen spinosum