Middle cranial fossa

Having a characteristic butterfly shape, the middle cranial fossa is formed mostly by the sphenoid and temporal bones. It is separated from the middle cranial fossa by the sphenoidal limbus (centrally) and the sphenoidal crests (laterally). 

It is separated from the posterior cranial fossa by the dorsum sellae of the sphenoid (medially) and the superior border of the petrous segment of the temporal bone (laterally). 

Bones

The middle cranial fossa is formed by the following bones:

• The ala major of the sphenoid (greater wing)
• The Squamous part of the temporal bone
• The anterolateral surface of the pyramid of the temporal bone

Landmarks

The following structures can be found within the middle cranial fossa:

• Temporal lobes
• Sella turcica
• Pituitary gland
• The Crescent of four foramina

On the lateral segments of the middle

Bones

The sella turcica is composed of the following three structures:

Tuberculum sellae (horn of saddle)

Hypophysial fossa (pituitary fossa)

Dorsum sellae (back of the saddle)

The Crescent of four foramina includes:

Superior orbital fissure

Round foramen (rotundum):

Foramen ovale

Spinous foramen

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