Imaging the sphenoid bone and basiocciput: anatomic considerations.

The sphenoid bone is a complex structure with an intricate embryologic origin. It is centrally located within the skull base and articulates with almost every structure in the skull and face. The sphenoid bone contains multiple foramina and fissures accommodating numerous vessels and nerves. This report reviews the embryology of the sphenoid bone and its normal postnatal changes, and describes the normal anatomy of the sphenoid bone and its numerous foramina and fissures. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) are used to illustrate developmental changes and normal anatomy.