Clivus (anatomy)

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== Clivus (anatomy) ==

The clivus is a bony part of the skull base located in the posterior cranial fossa. It is a shallow depression that slopes obliquely backward and downward from the dorsum sellae of the sphenoid bone to the foramen magnum of the occipital bone. The clivus forms part of the cranial base and is an important anatomical landmark in neurosurgery and radiology.

Anatomy

The clivus is composed of the posterior part of the sphenoid bone and the anterior part of the occipital bone. It is situated between the dorsum sellae and the foramen magnum. The clivus supports the brainstem, specifically the pons and the medulla oblongata, and is adjacent to the basilar artery and the vertebral arteries.

Clinical Significance

The clivus is clinically significant due to its proximity to several critical structures. Lesions or tumors in this area, such as chordomas or meningiomas, can affect the brainstem, cranial nerves, and major blood vessels, leading to severe neurological deficits. Surgical approaches to the clivus are complex and require careful planning to avoid damage to these vital structures.

Imaging

The clivus can be visualized using various imaging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans. These imaging modalities are essential for diagnosing pathologies involving the clivus and planning surgical interventions.

Related Structures

• Sphenoid bone
• Occipital bone
• Dorsum sellae
• Foramen magnum
• Brainstem
• Pons
• Medulla oblongata
• Basilar artery
• Vertebral arteries

See Also

• Cranial base
• Neurosurgery
• Radiology
• Chordoma
• Meningioma