Middle clinoid process

Middle Clinoid Process

File:Middle Clinoid Process.jpg

An illustration of the Middle Clinoid Process

The Middle Clinoid Process is a small bony protrusion located on the sphenoid bone in the human skull. It is part of the sella turcica, a saddle-shaped depression in the sphenoid bone that houses the pituitary gland.

Anatomy

The Middle Clinoid Process is situated at the lateral margin of the sella turcica, between the anterior clinoid process and the posterior clinoid process. It is often connected to the posterior clinoid process by a bony or fibrous bridge, forming the carotid sulcus.

Function

The Middle Clinoid Process serves as a point of attachment for several important structures in the skull. It provides support for the tentorium cerebelli, a membrane that separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum. It also serves as a landmark for surgeons during transsphenoidal surgery.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in the Middle Clinoid Process can lead to various medical conditions. For instance, an enlarged or irregularly shaped Middle Clinoid Process can compress the cavernous sinus, leading to symptoms such as double vision and facial pain.

See Also

• Sphenoid bone
• Sella turcica
• Pituitary gland