ANATOMICAL FEATURES

Sphenoid bone is one of the seven bones that form the orbit. When seen from the inside, it resembles a butterfly with its wings extended. It has a body, two greater wings, two lesser wings, and pterygoid processes.

ARTICULATIONS

The sphenoid bone forms joints with frontal, parietal, ethmoid, temporal, zygomatic, maxillae, palatine, vomer and occipital bones.

FUNCTIONS

Sphenoid bone forms the base of cranium, and floor and walls of each orbit. It provides attachment to the muscles of mastication. Sphenoid bone also has many fissures and foramina that provide passage to the nerves and vessels of the head and neck.