Lesser wing of sphenoid

Last revised by Craig Hacking on 2 Aug 2021

The lesser wing of the sphenoid bone, or orbito-sphenoid, is a sharp, pointed triangular plate arising laterally from the upper anterior portion of the sphenoid body

Gross anatomy

The lesser wing features both superior and inferior surfaces:

The lesser wing also features an anterior and posterior border:

The optic foramen perforates the base of the lesser wing at its attachment to the body of the sphenoid. This transmits the optic nerve and ophthalmic artery, which traverse the lesser wing through the optic canal.

Articulations

The anterior border of the lesser wing articulates with the frontal bone

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