scaphoid fossa scaphoid fossa in the pterygoid processes of the sphenoid, above the pterygoid fossa is a small, oval, shallow depression, the scaphoid fossa, which gives origin to the tensor veli palatini. scaphoid fossasphenoid bone. upper and posterior surfaces. (scaphoid fossa is labeled at left.)detailsidentifierslatinfossa scaphoidea ossis sphenoidalista98a02.1.05.047ta2633fma84973anatomical terms of bone it is not the same as and has to be distinguished from the scaphoid fossa of the external ear or pinna.