The crista galli is a triangular bony crest projecting superiorly from the ethmoid bone in the midline of the anterior cranial fossa, posterior to the frontal sinus. It is the anterior attachment of the falx cerebri (the dural fold separating the cerebral hemispheres). Its base is hollow in approximately 65% of individuals and may be pneumatised by an extension of the frontal sinus (cristal cell).
| Articulations | |
|---|---|
| Landmarks |
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| Ossification | Ossifies with the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid from the cartilaginous nasal capsule during the first year of life. |
The crista galli is the landmark for the anterior attachment of the falx cerebri and the starting point for subfrontal and transcribriform approaches to the anterior skull base. Meningiomas arising from the falx at this level (falcine meningiomas) abut the crista galli and may erode it. Olfactory groove meningiomas arise on the planum sphenoidale and olfactory groove floor, directly adjacent to the crista galli. In extended endoscopic skull base surgery, the crista galli is removed to provide midline access for anterior fossa dural closure.
High-energy anterior skull base fracture through the cribriform plate region may include the crista galli, producing CSF rhinorrhoea and anosmia; CT confirms the fracture pattern and dural disruption requiring neurosurgical management with skull base reconstruction.
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