Sphenoid Bone

Sphenoid sinus

help cleanse the nasal cavity

Body

forms the central axis of the bone

Sella turcica

enclosure of the pituitary gland

Hypophyseal fossa

portion of the sella turcica in which the pituitary gland sits

Lesser wings

extend horizontally anterior to the sella turcica

Greater wings

extend laterally from the body; form a portion of the cranial floor

Pterygoid processes

bases of the pterygoid plates, which serve as attachment sites for several muscles

Optic canals

passageways of the optic nerves

Superior orbital fissure

passageway for several cranial nerves, sympathetic nerves, and vessels

Foramen rotundum

contains a branch of the trigeminal nerve (V2)

Foramen ovale

contains five important structures

Foramen spinosum

contains meningeal nerves and vessels