Skull · Irregular bone
Sphenoid Bone
The sphenoid is a butterfly-shaped bone at the base of the skull that helps hold the whole skull together. It cradles the pituitary gland and forms part of the eye sockets.
What it is
The sphenoid is a complex, centrally placed bone at the base of the skull, connecting to almost all the other cranial bones.
Where it is
The base and central part of the skull, behind the eyes.
What it does
Forms part of the skull base and eye sockets, houses a hollow (the sella turcica) that holds the pituitary gland, and helps bind the skull bones together.
Connections
Joints and connections
- Sutures with most cranial and facial bones
When things go wrong
Common injuries and conditions
- Skull base fracture involving the sphenoid (serious head injury)
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms; it is not a diagnosis. A severe injury, a visibly deformed limb, or the inability to move or bear weight needs urgent assessment — call 999 or go to A&E for a serious injury.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
The sphenoid is often called the "keystone" of the skull because it connects to so many other bones.
Answers
Sphenoid Bone: frequently asked questions
What does the sphenoid bone do?
The sphenoid sits at the base of the skull, helps hold the other skull bones together, forms part of the eye sockets, and cradles the pituitary gland.
Explore the skull
Related bones
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Anatomy and body systems
- Gray's Anatomy for Students (Drake, Vogl, Mitchell)
- TeachMeAnatomy — skeletal system
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