Basis cranii: the cerebral fossae
The anterior, middle and posterior cranial fossae and what passes through them.
196. Basis cranii - anterior, middle and posterior cerebral fossae
Borders
- Anterior cranial fossa: Formed mainly by the frontal bone, cribriform plate of ethmoid, and lesser wings of sphenoid.
- Middle cranial fossa: Formed by the body and greater wings of the sphenoid and parts of temporal bones.
- Posterior cranial fossa: Formed by the occipital bone and parts of temporal and sphenoid bones.
Contents
- Anterior fossa: frontal lobes of brain, olfactory bulbs and tracts.
- Middle fossa: temporal lobes, pituitary gland (in sella turcica), cavernous sinus.
- Posterior fossa: cerebellum, brainstem (pons, medulla), cranial nerves IX–XII.
Relations
- The fossae are separated by bony ridges: anterior clinoid processes, sphenoid ridges, petrous ridges, and grooves for dural venous sinuses.