Crista galli

Crista galli is a vertical projection of the ethmoid bone, which is part of the skull. Its name is derived from Latin, meaning "cock's comb," due to its resemblance to a rooster's crest. The crista galli is an important anatomical landmark located in the anterior (front) part of the cranial cavity, projecting upwards from the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone. It serves as an attachment point for the falx cerebri, a fold of the dura mater that separates the two cerebral hemispheres of the brain.

Structure

The crista galli is a midline structure that is composed of compact bone. It varies in size and shape among individuals but generally projects upward between the two cerebral hemispheres. The base of the crista galli is continuous with the cribriform plate, which contains small holes (foramina) that allow for the passage of the olfactory nerves from the nasal cavity to the brain, facilitating the sense of smell.

Function

The primary function of the crista galli is to serve as an anchoring point for the falx cerebri. The falx cerebri is a dural fold that extends into the longitudinal fissure between the right and left cerebral hemispheres. By anchoring the falx cerebri, the crista galli helps to stabilize the brain within the skull and partition the brain into left and right halves, which is important for protecting the brain during rapid head movements.

Clinical Significance

Injury to the crista galli can occur during traumatic head injuries and can lead to complications due to its association with the falx cerebri and the olfactory nerves. Fractures involving the ethmoid bone, including the crista galli, can result in cerebrospinal fluid leaks or damage to the olfactory nerves, leading to a loss of the sense of smell (anosmia).

Surgical procedures involving the anterior cranial fossa may require careful navigation around the crista galli to prevent damage to the attached dura mater and underlying brain tissue. Additionally, variations in the size and shape of the crista galli are of clinical interest in the planning of such surgeries.

See Also

• Ethmoid bone
• Falx cerebri
• Dura mater
• Cerebral hemispheres
• Anosmia