Sella turcica

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Saddle-shaped depression in the sphenoid bone of the human skull

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Sella turcica shown in red

Details
Synonyms
Pronunciation
Carnegie stage
Days
Precursor
Gives rise to
Part of	Sphenoid bone

The sella turcica (Latin for "Turkish saddle") is a saddle-shaped depression in the body of the sphenoid bone of the human skull. It is located in the middle cranial fossa, a central depression in the floor of the cranial cavity. The sella turcica is an important anatomical landmark because it houses the pituitary gland.

Anatomy

The sella turcica is bounded by the tuberculum sellae anteriorly and the dorsum sellae posteriorly. The hypophyseal fossa, the deepest part of the sella turcica, contains the pituitary gland. The sella turcica is covered by a dural fold called the diaphragma sellae, which has an opening for the passage of the pituitary stalk.

Function

The primary function of the sella turcica is to protect and support the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis, is a crucial endocrine gland that regulates various physiological processes through the secretion of hormones.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the size or shape of the sella turcica can be indicative of various medical conditions. For example, an enlarged sella turcica may be associated with a pituitary adenoma, a benign tumor of the pituitary gland. Other conditions that can affect the sella turcica include empty sella syndrome, where the sella turcica appears empty on imaging due to the flattening of the pituitary gland, and craniopharyngioma, a type of brain tumor that can affect the region.

Imaging

The sella turcica can be visualized using various imaging techniques, including X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These imaging modalities are essential for diagnosing abnormalities of the pituitary gland and surrounding structures.

See also

• Pituitary gland
• Sphenoid bone
• Endocrine system
• Hypophyseal fossa
• Diaphragma sellae