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Quizzes > High School Quizzes > Science

Master the Sphenoid: Practice Quiz

Ace your practice test with expert guidance

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Myrsini SapoutzakiUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 12
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art promoting Sphenoid Spotlight Quiz for anatomy students preparing for exams.

This sphenoid quiz helps you review the sphenoid bone's parts, landmarks, and functions with 20 quick questions. Use it to practice before class or an exam, spot what you still need to study, and remember terms you will need for labs.

Which cranial bone is centrally located and often described as bat-shaped due to its wings?
Frontal bone
Parietal bone
Occipital bone
Sphenoid bone
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The sella turcica is a depression on the sphenoid that houses which endocrine structure?
Thyroid gland
Pituitary gland
Pineal gland
Adrenal cortex
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True or False: The sphenoid bone contributes to the floor of the middle cranial fossa.
True
False
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True or False: The sphenoid sinus lies inferior to the sella turcica.
False
True
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True or False: The greater wings of the sphenoid contribute to the lateral wall of the skull.
True
False
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Which part of the sphenoid is pneumatized to form the sphenoid sinus?
Greater wings
Body of the sphenoid
Lesser wings
Pterygoid processes
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The optic canal, transmitting the optic nerve (CN II), is located in which part of the sphenoid?
Pterygoid process
Greater wing
Body of the sphenoid
Lesser wing
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The foramen rotundum primarily transmits which branch of the trigeminal nerve?
Ophthalmic nerve (V1)
Mandibular nerve (V3)
Facial nerve (VII)
Maxillary nerve (V2)
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Which opening in the sphenoid transmits the mandibular nerve (V3)?
Foramen lacerum
Foramen rotundum
Foramen spinosum
Foramen ovale
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Which artery passes through the foramen spinosum of the sphenoid?
Basilar artery
Middle meningeal artery
Ophthalmic artery
Internal carotid artery
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True or False: The pterygoid processes project posteriorly from the sphenoid into the occipital bone.
False
True
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The superior orbital fissure lies between which two parts of the sphenoid?
Body and greater wing
Lesser wing and pterygoid process
Body and pterygoid process
Greater wing and lesser wing
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Which muscle hooks around the pterygoid hamulus of the sphenoid?
Temporalis
Buccinator
Masseter
Tensor veli palatini
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Which foramen of the sphenoid is most closely associated with the passage of the maxillary artery?
Foramen rotundum
None; the maxillary artery does not pass through a sphenoid foramen
Foramen spinosum
Foramen ovale
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The pterygoid canal (Vidian canal) carries which nerve formed by the union of the greater petrosal and deep petrosal nerves?
Inferior alveolar nerve
Vidian nerve (nerve of the pterygoid canal)
Chorda tympani
Auriculotemporal nerve
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True or False: The sphenoid articulates with the frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, ethmoid, zygomatic, palatine, and vomer bones.
False
True
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True or False: The sphenoidal conchae form part of the lateral nasal wall and are separate bones from the sphenoid.
True
False
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True or False: The cavernous sinus lies lateral to the body of the sphenoid, with the internal carotid artery and CN VI inside it.
True
False
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True or False: The sphenoid bone ossifies only by intramembranous ossification.
False
True
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True or False: The carotid groove on the body of the sphenoid houses the internal carotid artery as it passes through the cavernous sinus region.
True
False
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Study Outcomes

  1. Analyze the anatomical structure of the sphenoid bone.
  2. Identify key features and landmarks associated with the sphenoid.
  3. Describe the sphenoid bone's articulations with adjacent cranial structures.
  4. Evaluate the functional significance of the sphenoid in human anatomy.
  5. Apply anatomical concepts to exam-style questions on the sphenoid bone.

Sphenoid Quiz & Review Cheat Sheet

  1. Butterfly-shaped base connector - The sphenoid bone looks like a butterfly with outstretched wings and sits right at the skull's center. It's a superstar at joining facial and cranial bones in one neat package.
  2. Central body & sinuses - Inside its central body you'll find the sphenoidal sinuses, which lighten the skull and boost your vocal resonance. It also houses the sella turcica, a cozy seat for the pituitary gland.
  3. Lesser and greater wings - The sphenoid's two "wing pairs" help shape your eye sockets and skull walls. The lesser wings form the orbit roof, while the greater wings strengthen the skull's sides.
  4. Pterygoid process hinges - These downward extensions are prime real estate for your chewing muscles. They provide sturdy attachment points that let you chomp, grind, and snack all day.
  5. Foramina hotspot - Packed with tiny holes like the optic canal and superior orbital fissure, the sphenoid is a busy gateway for major nerves. These openings channel sight and movement signals straight to your brain.
  6. Sella turcica saddle - This sweet saddle-shaped dip cradles the pituitary gland, your body's hormone HQ. It's small but mighty - controlling growth, metabolism, and more!
  7. Air-filled sinuses - The sphenoidal sinuses lighten your skull and give your voice extra resonance. Think of them as nature's built‑in acoustic chambers!
  8. Team player in articulation - This bone shakes hands with the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital bones. Together, they create a stable, protective dome over your brain.
  9. Pterygoid muscle anchors - The medial and lateral pterygoid plates supply perfect anchor points for jaw muscles. These muscles are the secret behind smooth chewing and speaking.
  10. Clinical crossroads - Knowing the sphenoid's layout helps you understand fractures, sinus infections, and even pituitary tumors. It's a real-world roadmap for medical mysteries.
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