Greater wings of the sphenoid bone

Definition

The greater wings of the sphenoid bone are two large, lateral projections from the sphenoid bone, which is a butterfly-shaped bone at the base of the skull. They contribute to forming part of the floor of the middle cranial fossa and the orbits around the eyes.

Related terms

Sphenoid Bone:

A complex bone located at the base of your skull, resembling a butterfly or bat in shape, which helps form part of your cranial cavity and eye sockets.

Middle Cranial Fossa:

The central depression in the base of the skull that houses critical components of the brain such as the temporal lobes and pituitary gland.

Orbit: The bony socket in the skull containing the eyeball, along with muscles, nerves, and blood vessels that support vision