Sphenopetrosal ligament

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on 12.11.2025

Synonyms: Ligamentum petrosphenoideum superius, Gruber Band, Abduzensbrücke, petrosphenoidal ligament, PSL, Gruber‘s ligament

The sphenopetrosal ligament is a dura mater duplication, which spans between the posterior clinoid process and the petrous apex[^1]. The sphenopetrosal ligament crosses the abducens nerve and forms the cranial boundary of the Dorello canal.

Figure

Ligamentum sphenopetrosum — Illustration of the sphenopetrous ligament (labeled as Petrosph. Lig.), which represents the cranial border of the Dorello canal. Figure adapted from Yasuda A. et al. 2004.

Ligamentum sphenopetrosum

Illustration of the sphenopetrous ligament (labeled as Petrosph. Lig.), which represents the cranial border of the Dorello canal. Figure adapted from Yasuda A. et al. 2004.