sphenoid bone

butterfly bone

An unpaired bone situated at the base of the skull in front of the temporal bone and basilar part of the occipital bone. The sphenoid bone is one of the seven bones that articulate to form the orbit. Its shape somewhat resembles that of a butterfly or bat with its wings extended.

Type Bone
Parent Structure endochondral bone
Latin Name butterfly bone
FMA ID 52736

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sphenoid bone?
An unpaired bone situated at the base of the skull in front of the temporal bone and basilar part of the occipital bone. The sphenoid bone is one of the seven bones that articulate to form the orbit. Its shape somewhat resembles that of a butterfly or bat with its wings extended.
What is the Latin name for the sphenoid bone?
The Latin name for the sphenoid bone is butterfly bone.

Related Structures

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