Body of sphenoid bone

The Body of Sphenoid Bone is the central part of the sphenoid bone, one of the seven bones that make up the orbit in the human skull. It is a complex, unpaired bone situated at the base of the skull, in front of the temporal bone and basilar part of the occipital bone.

Anterior view of the sphenoid bone, showing the body (labeled at center left)

Structure

The body of the sphenoid bone is more or less cubical in shape and presents six surfaces. It houses the sphenoidal sinuses and contains a saddle-shaped depression, the sella turcica, which houses the pituitary gland.

Surfaces

The superior surface of the body of the sphenoid bone forms part of the base of the skull. It is marked by a depression for the hypophysis cerebri, and on either side of this, by the sphenoidal crest.

The lateral surfaces are united with the greater and lesser wings of the sphenoid, and the pterygoid processes.

The posterior surface, quadrilateral in form, is joined to the basilar part of the occipital by means of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis.

The anterior surface, directed forward and downward, is convex and perforated by numerous foramina for the passage of the olfactory nerves.

The inferior surface presents, in front, the sphenoidal crest, for articulation with the vomer.

Clinical Significance

Due to its location and the structures it houses, damage to the body of the sphenoid bone can have serious consequences. Conditions such as sphenoid sinusitis and pituitary tumors can affect the body of the sphenoid bone.

Lateral view of the sphenoid bone, showing the body (labeled at center)

See Also

• Sphenoid bone
• Human skull
• Sphenoidal sinuses
• Sella turcica