<P> The sphenoid bone is an unpaired bone of the neurocranium . It is situated in the middle of the skull towards the front, in front of the temporal bone and the basilar part of the occipital bone . The sphenoid bone is one of the seven bones that articulate to form the orbit . Its shape somewhat resembles that of a butterfly or bat with its wings extended . </P> <P> It is divided into the following parts: </P> <Ul> <Li> a median portion, known as the body of sphenoid bone, containing the sella turcica, which houses the pituitary gland as well as the paired paranasal sinuses, the sphenoidal sinuses </Li> <Li> two greater wings on the lateral side of the body and two lesser wings from the anterior side . </Li> <Li> Pterygoid processes of the sphenoides, directed downwards from the junction of the body and the greater wings . </Li> </Ul> <Li> a median portion, known as the body of sphenoid bone, containing the sella turcica, which houses the pituitary gland as well as the paired paranasal sinuses, the sphenoidal sinuses </Li>

The portion of the sphenoid bone that houses the pituitary gland is the