infratemporal crest

{{Short description|Section of the human skull}}

{{Infobox bone

| Name = Infratemporal crest

| Latin = crista infratemporalis

| Image = Gray146.png

| Caption = Sphenoid bone. Anterior and inferior surfaces. (Infratemporal crest labeled at center left.)

| Image2 =

| Caption2 =

}}

The lateral surface of the greater wing of the sphenoid is convex, and divided by a transverse ridge, the infratemporal crest, into two portions.

The superior or temporal portion, convex from above downward, concave from before backward, forms a part of the temporal fossa, and gives attachment to the Temporalis; the inferior or infratemporal, smaller in size and concave, enters into the formation of the infratemporal fossa, and, together with the infratemporal crest, affords attachment to the Pterygoideus externus.