Spine of sphenoid bone
Spina ossis sphenoidei
- Latin synonym: Spina ossis sphenoidalis
Definition
The spine of sphenoid bone is a downward-pointing bony protrusion located at the skull's base. Precisely situated at the confluence of the posteromedial and posterolateral borders of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone, this structure is positioned just posterior to the foramen spinosum.
The spine of sphenoid bone is related medially to the sulcus for the auditory tube. It is encased between the auriculotemporal nerve externally and the chorda tympani nerve medially. Its apex serves as the attachment point for the sphenomandibular ligament. Anteriorly, the spine gives rise to the tensor veli palatini muscle fibers.
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Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2024 IMAIOS.
Standring, S. (2016). ‘Chapter 27: External skull’ in Gray’s anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice. (41st ed.) New York NY: Elsevier, pp. 422.
