Superior View of Cranial Bones and Structures

Frontal Bone

• The most anterior bone of the cranium, located above the eyes.

• Contains the frontal sinuses and the anterior cranial fossa, where the frontal lobe of the brain resides.

Sphenoid Bone

• Comprised of segments including the greater wing (posterior) and the lesser wing (anterior).

• Features the sella turcica, which contains a deep depression called the hypophyseal fossa for housing the pituitary gland.

Temporal Bone

• Features the petrous part, which is the section located between the sphenoid bone and the occipital bone.

• The petrous part houses the essential organs involved in hearing.

• Contributes to the formation of the jugular foramen.

Parietal and Occipital Bones

• Parietal bone: The most lateral bone of the cranium.

• Occipital bone: The most posterior bone of the cranium.

• Posterior cranial fossa: A depression in the occipital bone that houses the posterior segment of the brain.

• Foramen magnum: A large opening in the occipital bone that allows the spinal cord to pass into the spine.

• Jugular foramen: Formed by both the occipital and temporal bone; serves as a passage for several cranial nerves.

Ethmoid Bone

• Involved in the structures related to the special sense of smell.