Which bone is often described as butterfly-shaped?

Which bone is often described as butterfly-shaped?

• A. Sphenoid bone
• B. Occipital bone
• C. Parietal bone
• D. Temporal bone

Answer: (A)

The sphenoid bone is often described as butterfly-shaped due to its unique structure. This bone is located at the base of the skull, in the middle of the cranium, and has a complex shape resembling a butterfly with wings. It consists of a central body, greater and lesser wings, and various processes that articulate with several other cranial bones. The greater wings extend laterally, while the lesser wings form a more horizontal plane, contributing to the "butterfly" appearance. This shape plays a pivotal role in housing important structures, such as the sphenoid sinuses and the optic canal, making it an integral part of the skull's anatomy. The other bones listed do not have this distinctive shape: the occipital bone is typically described as more curved and rounded, the parietal bones are flat and arch-like, and the temporal bones are more irregularly shaped and located on the sides of the skull.

The sphenoid bone is often described as butterfly-shaped due to its unique structure. This bone is located at the base of the skull, in the middle of the cranium, and has a complex shape resembling a butterfly with wings. It consists of a central body, greater and lesser wings, and various processes that articulate with several other cranial bones. The greater wings extend laterally, while the lesser wings form a more horizontal plane, contributing to the "butterfly" appearance. This shape plays a pivotal role in housing important structures, such as the sphenoid sinuses and the optic canal, making it an integral part of the skull's anatomy.

The other bones listed do not have this distinctive shape: the occipital bone is typically described as more curved and rounded, the parietal bones are flat and arch-like, and the temporal bones are more irregularly shaped and located on the sides of the skull.