What Does the Sphenoid Bone Do

Sphenoid bone has many essential functions. It helps form the base and lateral sides of the skull in combination with the orbital floor. Its many articulations with other bones give the skull rigidity. It is an attachment site for many of the muscles of mastication.

What is unique about the sphenoid?

What’s particularly unique about the sphenoid bone, is that on its cranial surface, the body has a deeply concave surface called the sella turcica. It is bordered by the anterior, middle and posterior clinoid processes, which are points of attachment for the dura mater of the brain.

What nerves run through the sphenoid bone?

The oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens nerves; the first division of the trigeminal nerve; and the optic vein pass through the superior orbital fissure. The borders of the superior orbital fissure are the ala minor and major, and medially the body of the sphenoid bone.