Middle cranial fossa

Definition

The middle cranial fossa is a depression in the base of the skull, located centrally, that houses vital brain structures, including the temporal lobes and pituitary gland. It serves as a protective cradle for these components, playing a crucial role in supporting and safeguarding the brain's functioning parts.

Related terms

Temporal Lobes: The temporal lobes are regions of the brain located beneath the temples, involved in processing auditory information and memory storage.

Pituitary Gland:

The pituitary gland is a pea-sized organ seated within the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone in the skull, responsible for secreting hormones that regulate various bodily functions.

Sphenoid Bone:

The sphenoid bone is a complex bone at the base of the skull that contributes to forming part of the eye socket, several foramina, and houses the sella turcica which cradles the pituitary gland