clivus

(noun)

A part of the cranium at the base of the skull. It forms a gradual sloping process at the anterior-most portion of the basilar occipital bone at its junction with the sphenoid bone.

Related Terms

Examples of clivus in the following topics:

  • Abducens (VI) Nerve

    • It runs upward between the pons and the clivus, and then pierces the dura mater to run between the dura and the skull.

  • Strabismus

    • A strabismus may be a sign of increased intracranial pressure, as CN VI is particularly vulnerable to damage from brain swelling, as it runs between the clivus and brain stem.