Sphenoparietal

Sphenoparietal refers to the anatomical relationship between the sphenoid bone and the parietal bone in the human skull. These two bones meet at the sphenoparietal suture, a fibrous joint that connects the bones.

Anatomy

The sphenoid bone is a complex bone located at the base of the skull, in front of the temporal bone and basilar part of the occipital bone. It is shaped like a butterfly and has a central body, two greater wings, two lesser wings, and several processes. The sphenoid bone contributes to the floor and sides of the skull, and also the walls and the floor of the orbit.

The parietal bone forms the sides and roof of the cranial cavity. There are two parietal bones in the skull, one on each side, which are joined at the top by the sagittal suture. The parietal bone articulates with the frontal, occipital, temporal, and sphenoid bones.

The sphenoparietal suture is a cranial suture that separates the sphenoid and parietal bones. It is located on the side of the skull, running in an anteroposterior direction.

Clinical Significance

Knowledge of the sphenoparietal suture and its location is important in neurosurgery, particularly in procedures involving the middle cranial fossa or the parasellar region. It serves as a landmark for surgeons to avoid damage to the underlying structures, such as the brain and the blood vessels.

See Also

• Cranial sutures
• Human skull
• Sphenoid bone
• Parietal bone