Middle clinoid process

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on

Synonyms: middle clinoid process

The middle clinoid process (MCP) is a small, paired bony projection that can be present on the anterior edge of the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone.

Anatomy

Between the anterior clinoid process and posterior clinoid process, a separate bony projection, the middle clinoid process, can occur. The middle clinoid process can fuse with the anterior clinoid process, creating a separate opening, the caroticoclinoid foramen arises[^1].

Illustration

Processus clinoideus medius
Anatomical illustration of the processus clinoideus medius (#2 in the figure) and the foramen caroticoclinoideus (#3 in the figure). Illustration adapted from Platzer, Werner, and Thomas Shiozawa-Bayer. Pocket Atlas of Anatomy Volume 1: Musculoskeletal System. Thieme, 2018.