Lesser wing of sphenoid

The lesser wing of the sphenoid bone, or orbito-sphenoid, is a sharp, pointed triangular plate arising laterally from the upper anterior portion of the sphenoid body.

Gross anatomy

The lesser wing features both superior and inferior surfaces:

• the superior surface is flattened and is in contact with the frontal lobe of the brain
• the inferior surface forms the upper border of the superior orbital fissure

The lesser wing also features an anterior and posterior border:

• A serrated anterior border
• A posterior border called the sphenoid ridge that projects in to the sylvian fissure.  Its medial end forms the anterior clinoid process which acts as an attachment for tentorium cerebelli

The optic foramen perforates the base of the lesser wing at its attachment to the body of the sphenoid. This transmits the optic nerve and ophthalmic artery, which traverse the lesser wing through the optic canal.

Articulations

The anterior border of the lesser wing articulates with the frontal bone.