Sphenoid bone
The sphenoid bone is one of the cranial bones of the head.
Location and structure:
The sphenoid bone is located:
- Anterior to the temporal bones, it form the base of cranium - behind the orbitals.
- It consists of a body, two "wings" and two "pterygoid processes" that project downwards.
Function(s):
The functions of the sphenoid bone include:
See notes about, and labelled diagrams of, all human cranial and facial bones on one page.
More about Bones and the Skeletal System:
This website includes many pages about bones and the skeletal system. The following pages may be of interest. These also link to further pages about related topics such as specific types of fractures, bone diseases and so on.
- Structures and Functions of Bones (an overview about the Skeletal System)
- Types of Bones, such as long bones, short bones, flat bones, etc.
- Bone Markings and Features on Bones of the Human Body
- Types of Joints, such as immoveable, slightly moveable and freely moveable joints
- Diagram of the Human Skeleton
- Overview of types of Conditions and Disorders of the Skeletal System
For further information see also our pages of books about orthopaedics.