Cribriform plate

The cribriform plate is the portion of the ethmoid bone in the base of the skull that lies just behind the nose and eyes. This very thin section of bone has a low density and is filled with tiny air pockets. A fractured cribriform plate (anterior fossa skull fracture) can produce a dural tear that allows CSF leakage into the nose. Because olfactory fibers run through the plate, fractures may affect the sense of smell. Microorganisms can enter through the crack and any objects placed in the nose can potentially enter the brain. PRONUNCIATION: CRIB-ri-form PLATE.