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What Are Cribriform Plates?

The cribriform plate is a thin layer of bone that is located within the ethmoid bone of the eye region. Although small, this bone plays a crucial role in the olfactory and sensory function. The small bone is connected to the layers of the brain and sends signals to the brain for processing.

  1. Characteristics

    • The two types of skeletal material within the body are cartilage and bone. Cartilage is the starting point of bone. Whether cartilage becomes bone is dependent on other physiological factors, such as the cell structure of the starting material and where the cartilage material is located. The skeletal material of the eye is entirely made up of cartilage. The cribriform plate, being a part of the eye, is therefore made up of cartilage. The plate has a distinctive triangular plate that projects from its upper center.

    Location

    • The cribriform plate is located within the middle section of the ethmoid bone, or orbital bone. The ethmoid bone sits on either side of the roof of the cavities of the eye area. The cribriform plate does not remain flat but rather projects outward. This makes it easy to identify when looking at the eye's anatomy. The top of the plate contains the crista galli, a smooth part of the plate, triangular in shape, that projects toward the front.

    Purpose

    • The main function of the cribriform plate is to provide structural support to the eye. It gives the orbital area its external shape. The inside of the cribriform plate plays an important role in the olfactory system. The olfactory bulbs within the eye are directly positioned underneath the cribriform plate. The plate, thus, provides the support the bulbs need. The olfactory bulbs are important in nasal function as they perceive odors and signal the olfactory nerves in the brain.

    Pathology

    • The main pathology associated with the cribriform plate is cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Cerebrospinal fluid is fluid within the brain. It is what keeps the brain projected in space. The outermost layer of the brain is called the dura mater. The cribriform plate is attached to the dura mater at its lower end. When this attachment breaks, cerebrospinal fluid can leak into the nasal area. When this happens, loss of the nasal sense results.

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