The base of skull, also known as the cranial base or the cranial floor, is the most inferior area of the skull. It is composed of the endocranium and the lower parts of the calvaria.

Structure

Base of the skull. Inferior surface, attachment of muscles marked in red.

Structures found at the base of the skull are for example:

Bones

There are five bones that make up the base of the skull:

Exobasis

Sinuses

Foramina of the skull

Endobasis-resistances beams
Endobasis-resistances nodes

Sutures

Other

The foramina in the base of the skull are exit and entry points for veins, arteries and cranial nerves.
The cranial nerves as they exit through various foramina.

Additional images

  • Base of the skull. Upper surface
    Base of the skull. Upper surface
  • Base of skull
    Base of skull
  • Base of skull - crista galli, cribriform plate and foramen cecum
    Base of skull - crista galli, cribriform plate and foramen cecum
  • Base of skull - sella turcica
    Base of skull - sella turcica
  • The anterior, middle and posterior cranial fossa in different colors
    The anterior, middle and posterior cranial fossa in different colors