[The sphenoid bone: anatomy].

In this paper, the anatomy of the sphenoid bone and surrounding and associated structures is described. The sphenoid bone is centrally located in the skull base. The anatomy of the bony canals, foramina and fissures that run through the sphenoid bone or run along its borders must be known. The osseous anatomy can be studied using CT. On the other hand, MR is mandatory for visualization of the vascular and nervous structures in and around the sphenoid bone.