Grecian bend

Greater Wing of Sphenoid Bone

The Greater Wing of Sphenoid Bone is a prominent anatomical feature of the sphenoid bone, one of the seven bones that make up the human skull. It is a bilateral structure, with each wing extending laterally from the body of the sphenoid bone.

Anatomy

The greater wing of the sphenoid bone is a large, flat, and irregularly shaped structure. It is divided into three parts: the orbital surface, the cerebral surface, and the temporal surface. Each of these surfaces has distinct anatomical features and functions.

Orbital Surface

The orbital surface of the greater wing forms part of the lateral wall and the floor of the orbit, the cavity in the skull that houses the eye and its associated structures. It is marked by the presence of the foramen rotundum, foramen ovale, and foramen spinosum, which allow for the passage of various nerves and vessels.

Cerebral Surface

The cerebral surface forms part of the middle cranial fossa, a depression in the floor of the cranial cavity that houses the temporal lobes of the brain. It is marked by the presence of the sulcus chiasmaticus, a groove for the optic chiasm, and the sulcus tuberculi sellae, a groove for the pituitary gland.

Temporal Surface

The temporal surface forms part of the temporal fossa, a depression on the side of the skull that houses the temporal muscle. It is marked by the presence of the infratemporal crest, a ridge that separates the temporal fossa from the infratemporal fossa, a space deep to the zygomatic arch.

Clinical Significance

Due to its location and the structures it houses, the greater wing of the sphenoid bone can be involved in various pathological conditions. These include fractures, tumors, and infections, which can lead to symptoms such as double vision, facial pain, and hearing loss.

See Also

• Lesser Wing of Sphenoid Bone
• Sphenoid Sinus
• Cranial Fossae
• Foramina of Skull