Lesser wing of sphenoid
Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Nash C, Hacking C, Deng F, Lesser wing of sphenoid. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 01 Oct 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-56249
Permalink:
rID:
56249
Article created:
21 Oct 2017, Clinton Nash
Disclosures:
At the time the article was created Clinton Nash had no recorded disclosures.
View Clinton Nash's current disclosuresLast revised:
Disclosures:
At the time the article was last revised Craig Hacking had no recorded disclosures.
View Craig Hacking's current disclosuresRevisions:
8 times, by 3 contributors - see full revision history and disclosures
Systems:
Sections:
Synonyms:
- orbito-sphenoid
- lesser sphenoid wing
The lesser wing of the sphenoid bone, or orbito-sphenoid, is a sharp, pointed triangular plate arising laterally from the upper anterior portion of the sphenoid body.
Gross anatomy
The lesser wing features both superior and inferior surfaces:
- the superior surface is flattened and is in contact with the frontal lobe of the brain
- the inferior surface forms the upper border of the superior orbital fissure
The lesser wing also features an anterior and posterior border:
- A serrated anterior border
- A posterior border called the sphenoid ridge that projects in to the sylvian fissure. Its medial end forms the anterior clinoid process which acts as an attachment for tentorium cerebelli
The optic foramen perforates the base of the lesser wing at its attachment to the body of the sphenoid. This transmits the optic nerve and ophthalmic artery, which traverse the lesser wing through the optic canal.
Articulations
The anterior border of the lesser wing articulates with the frontal bone.
References
- 1. Susan Standring. Gray's Anatomy. ISBN: 9780443066849
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