Base of skull

Base of skull. Inferior surface.

The base of skull, also known as the cranial base or the basilar part of the occipital bone, forms the floor of the cranium and separates the brain from other facial structures. This complex structure includes several bones that house various parts of the brain, including the brainstem, cerebellum, and temporal lobes.

Anatomy

The base of the skull is divided into three parts: the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossae. Each of these parts houses different sections of the brain and has unique anatomical features.

Anterior Cranial Fossa

Anterior cranial fossa.

The anterior cranial fossa is the shallowest part of the base of the skull. It houses the frontal lobes of the brain and is formed by parts of the frontal bone, ethmoid bone, and lesser wings of the sphenoid bone.

Middle Cranial Fossa

Middle cranial fossa.

The middle cranial fossa is deeper than the anterior cranial fossa and houses the temporal lobes of the brain. It is formed by parts of the sphenoid and temporal bones.

Posterior Cranial Fossa

Posterior cranial fossa.

The posterior cranial fossa is the deepest part of the base of the skull. It houses the cerebellum and brainstem and is formed by parts of the occipital bone and temporal bones.

Clinical Significance

Injuries or abnormalities at the base of the skull can lead to serious conditions such as basilar skull fracture, meningitis, and cerebrospinal fluid leak. Diagnosis and treatment of these conditions often require advanced medical imaging techniques and surgical interventions.

See Also

• Cranium
• Skull
• Human skull