Body of sphenoid bone

The body of the sphenoid bone is the central, cubic portion of the sphenoid bone, located at the base of the skull between the ethmoid bone and the occipital bone. This hollow structure houses the sphenoid sinus, two pneumatic cavities separated by the sphenoid intersinus septum, which communicate with the nasal cavity through its anterior opening. In addition, the body of the sphenoid bone forms a fundamental part of the base of the skull and contributes to the structure of the orbital and nasal cavities.

The body of the sphenoid has several surfaces that house important anatomical structures.

On its superior surface is the sphenoid yoke, a bony plate that connects the lesser wings of the sphenoid and is located anterior to the limbus of sphenoid, which delimits the anterior part of the chiasmatic sulcus, a transverse depression that houses the optic chiasm. Posteriorly, this surface houses the sella turcica, which includes the sella tubercle, the pituitary fossa where the pituitary gland is located, and the sella dorsum.

On its lateral surface, the body of the sphenoid bone has the carotid sulcus, an S-shaped groove through which the internal carotid artery passes. Near the optic foramen is the sphenoid lingula, a small bony prominence.

The anterior surface of the body shows the sphenoid crest, a bony projection that articulates with the perpendicular lamina of the ethmoid bone. Inferiorly, the sphenoid rostrum projects downward and articulates with the vomer.

On the inferior surface are the sphenoid conchae, bony plates that contribute to the formation of the roof of the sphenoid sinuses.