The anterior cranial fossa is the space located at the front of the skull, housing the frontal lobes of the brain. It's essentially a bony "dish" formed by specific skull bones.
Anatomy of the Anterior Cranial Fossa
The anterior cranial fossa is comprised of:
- Frontal bone: Specifically, the orbital plate of the frontal bone, which forms the roof of the eye sockets.
- Ethmoid bone: The cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone, a sieve-like structure through which olfactory nerves pass (responsible for the sense of smell).
- Sphenoid bone: The lesser wings and the anterior part of the body of the sphenoid bone contribute to the posterior border of the fossa.
Significance
This fossa is significant because it:
- Protects the frontal lobes of the brain.
- Provides a pathway for olfactory nerves.
- Forms part of the roof of the orbits (eye sockets).
- Is a potential site for tumors (e.g., meningiomas) which can affect vision and smell.
Bones forming the Anterior Cranial Fossa
| Bone | Part of Bone | Location in Fossa |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal Bone | Orbital Plate | Forms the roof of the orbits (eye sockets) |
| Ethmoid Bone | Cribriform Plate | Located centrally, allows passage of olfactory nerves |
| Sphenoid Bone | Lesser Wings, Anterior part of the Body | Forms the posterior boundary |
