Tuberculum sellae

Tuberculum sellae is a part of the sphenoid bone in the human skull. It is a small, medium-line elevation located at the anterior part of the sella turcica, a saddle-like depression in the sphenoid bone. The tuberculum sellae is an important anatomical landmark in the skull base and is closely related to several vital structures, including the optic chiasm, pituitary gland, and cavernous sinus.

Anatomy

The tuberculum sellae is located at the anterior part of the sella turcica, which is a depression in the sphenoid bone that houses the pituitary gland. It is bordered anteriorly by the planum sphenoidale and posteriorly by the dorsum sellae. The tuberculum sellae is part of the middle cranial fossa, one of the three depressions in the base of the skull.

Clinical significance

Due to its location, the tuberculum sellae is often involved in pathological conditions affecting the sella turcica and surrounding structures. Tuberculum sellae meningiomas are a type of brain tumor that originates from the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, and grows in the region of the tuberculum sellae. These tumors can compress the optic chiasm and cause visual disturbances.

See also

• Sphenoid bone
• Sella turcica
• Optic chiasm
• Pituitary gland
• Cavernous sinus
• Tuberculum sellae meningiomas