sella turcica

anatomy

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

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The sella turcica is a saddle-shaped depression located in the base of the skull, specifically within the sphenoid bone. This anatomical feature serves as a protective enclosure for the pituitary gland. The sella turcica is part of the middle cranial fossa, one of three major depressions within the cranium that house different parts of the brain. Its structure is crucial for safeguarding this vital endocrine gland.12

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pituitary tumour
…cause of enlargement of the sella turcica, the bone cavity in the head in which the pituitary gland is located. There are two general types of pituitary tumours—hormone secreting and nonsecreting. There are five types of hormone-secreting pituitary tumours, named according to the cells that produce the particular hormone. They…
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…cause of enlargement of the sella turcica, the bone cavity in the head in which the pituitary gland is located. There are two general types of pituitary tumours—hormone secreting and nonsecreting. There are five types of hormone-secreting pituitary tumours, named according to the cells that produce the particular hormone. They…
Read More

human skeleton
Interior of the cranium
…portion of this seat, or sella turcica (“Turk’s saddle”), is actually wall-like and is called the dorsum sellae. The pituitary gland is thus situated in almost the centre of the cranial cavity. It is covered also by the brain coverings and has no connection with the exterior of the cranium…
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…portion of this seat, or sella turcica (“Turk’s saddle”), is actually wall-like and is called the dorsum sellae. The pituitary gland is thus situated in almost the centre of the cranial cavity. It is covered also by the brain coverings and has no connection with the exterior of the cranium…
Read More