PRESPHENOID BONE Meaning and
Definition
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The presphenoid bone is a key component of the human skull, forming part of the cranial base. Situated in the sphenoid bone, it is an unpaired bone located in the midline of the skull's anterior cranial fossa. The presphenoid bone is found in the upper section of the sphenoid bone, just posterior to the frontal bone and anterior to the sella turcica (a saddle-shaped depression within the sphenoid bone).
In terms of anatomical structure, the presphenoid bone is often described as butterfly-shaped due to its distinct morphology. It consists of two wings, or lateral plates, which extend laterally and give the bone its distinctive shape. The wings are connected at their central portion, forming a central body that is thinner and narrower than the wings themselves.
This bone plays an essential role in the formation and support of the anterior cranial fossa, supporting various vital structures. It acts as an attachment site for the cribriform plate, which houses the olfactory nerves responsible for the sense of smell. Additionally, the presphenoid bone provides support for the pituitary gland, a crucial endocrine organ that regulates multiple bodily functions.
Overall, the presphenoid bone serves as a critical component of the human skull, playing a significant role in supporting essential structures and contributing to the complex framework of the anterior cranial fossa.
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The anterior portion of the body of the sphenoid bone.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PRESPHENOID BONE
Etymology of PRESPHENOID BONE
The word "presphenoid" is formed by combining two Greek roots: "pres" meaning before or in front, and "sphenoid" referring to the sphenoid bone.
The sphenoid bone is a wing-shaped bone located in the middle of the skull base. It forms part of the orbit (eye socket) and the floor of the skull. The term "sphenoid" is derived from the Greek word "sphēnoeides", which means wedge-shaped, reflecting its triangular appearance.
Adding the prefix "pre-" to "sphenoid" in "presphenoid" signifies that the bone is located in front of the sphenoid bone. In anatomy, the presphenoid bone refers to a small bone that can be found in some mammals, situated anterior to the sphenoid bone.
