Crista galli

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on

The Crista galli is a bony projection of the ethmoid bone. At the posterior edge of the crista galli, the falx cerebri attaches.

Embryology

Embryologically, the cista galli develops from the ethmoid bone. In the second fetal month, the crista galli forms together with other structures of the anterior cranial fossa. Ossification of the crista galli begins approximately 2 months postnatally and is completed after about 24 months[^1].

Pneumatization

The crista galli is morphologically variable depending on the individual and can be pneumatized. Pneumatization of the crista galli is primarily an extension from the frontal sinus[^2].

Illustration

Ethmoid bone
Anatomical drawing of the ethmoid bone. Illustration adapted from Grays Anatomy Figure 149.
Ethmoid bone
Anatomical drawing of the ethmoid bone. Illustration adapted from Grays Anatomy.

Imaging

Crista galli on a CT
CT image of the crista galli (red arrow).