Fossa cranii anterior (Anterior cranial fossa)

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Synonyms
Anterior cranial fossa, Fossa cranii anterior, Vordere Schädelgrube

The anterior cranial fossa is simply constructed and easy to survey. It is formed by the Os ethmoidale, the Os frontale, and the Os sphenoidale. The boundary with the middle cranial fossa is formed by the lesser wing of the sphenoid, the Ala minor ossis sphenoidalis. The anterior cranial fossa roofs both orbits and the superior portion of the nasal cavity situated between them. The roof of the orbit is formed by a horizontally oriented plate, the Pars orbitalis. In the center of the anterior cranial fossa lies a bony plate perforated by numerous small foramina, the Lamina cribrosa. In the center of the ethmoid plate, the Crista galli rises, to which the Falx cerebri is attached1.

Figure

Schematic illustration of the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossae
Schematic illustration of the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossae. Illustration adapted from Gray's Anatomy.

References

    1. Benninghoff A. Macroscopic Anatomy, Histology, Embryology, Cell Biology. Volume 1: Cell, Tissue, Development, Skeletal and Muscular System, Respiratory System, Digestive System, Urinary and Genital System. Vol. 1. Elsevier, Urban&FischerVerlag; 17th edition 2008. ↩ ↩

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