Sphenoid bone

Overview
The sphenoid bone (from Greek sphenoeides, "wedgelike") is a bone situated at the base of the skull in front of the temporals and basilar part of the occipital bone.

The sphenoid bone somewhat resembles a butterfly or bat with its wings extended.

Portions


It is divided into the following parts:
 * a median portion, known as the body of sphenoid bone
 * two greater wings and two lesser wings
 * Pterygoid processes of the sphenoides which project from it posteriorly (below)

Two sphenoidal conchae are situated at the anterior and posterior part of the body.



Named features
Various other named features of the sphenoid bone exist:
 * pterygoid notch
 * pterygoid fossa
 * scaphoid fossa
 * vaginal process
 * pterygoid hamulus
 * pterygoid canal
 * pterygospinous process