The cranial base is the inferior portion of the neurocranium and viscerocranium.
The base of the cranium can be viewed from outside (external view) from an inferior view with the mandible removed, or inside (internal view) from a superior view with the calvaria (skullcap) removed, exposing the cranial fossae.
Landmarks
The following landmarks can be found in the external cranial base:
- Alveolar arch of the maxillae
- Palatine processes of the maxillae
- Palatine bone
- Sphenoid bone
- Vomer
- Temporal bones
- Occipital bone
Division
The external cranial base