Final answer:
The sphenoid bone forms the base of the skull and part of the orbit. It features the sella turcica, which houses the pituitary gland. The greater wings of the sphenoid form the anterior floor of the middle cranial fossa.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bone being described in the question is the sphenoid bone, which plays a critical role in the structure of the skull. The sphenoid bone forms part of the base of the skull, just anterior to the temporal bones, and contributes to the structure of the eye socket or orbit. A key feature of the sphenoid bone is the sella turcica, which is a saddle-like depression that contains the hypophyseal (pituitary) fossa, where the pituitary gland resides.
The pituitary gland, also known as the hypophyseal gland, is a pea-sized gland important for regulating several hormones in the body. The greater wings of the sphenoid extend laterally from the sella turcica, forming the anterior floor of the middle cranial fossa and are visible on the outer aspect of the lateral skull.