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Sella turcica

The sella, or sella turcica, is a saddle-shaped structure at the base of the skull that houses the pituitary gland – a central gland of the endocrine system. It plays an important role in protecting the hormone center of the brain.

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Quick version

What is the sella turcica?

The sella turcica, also called the "turcica saddle", is a depression in the sphenoid bone (os sphenoidale) at the base of the skull. The sella serves as a protective bony structure for the gland and is an important landmark in radiological examinations of the brain.

Anatomical location

The sella turcica is located behind the optic chiasm and in front of the brainstem. It is located in the center of the skull base and is surrounded by important structures such as the optic nerves, cavernous sinus, and carotid artery.

Function

The main function of the sella turcica is to protect the pituitary gland, which regulates the body's hormone production by signaling other endocrine glands such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, and gonads.

Imaging and diagnostics

The sella turcica can be examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) to identify tumors, cysts, or anatomical abnormalities of the pituitary gland. It is often a focal point in neurological and endocrinological investigations.

Variations and conditions

The size and shape of the structure can vary, which can sometimes indicate conditions such as "empty sella syndrome" or pituitary adenoma. These conditions can affect hormone balance and often require medical evaluation.

Relevant Symptoms

  • Headache
  • Visual Impairment
  • Fatigue
  • Hormonal Imbalances
  • Increased Thirst or Urine Production

Related Conditions and Diagnoses

  • Pituitary Adenoma
  • Empty Sellar Syndrome
  • Acromegaly
  • Cushing's Disease
  • Diabetes Insipidus

Questions and answers

The sella turcica is a depression in the base of the skull that surrounds the pituitary gland. Sometimes called the "turtle's saddle" because of its shape, it is an important anatomical structure for hormonal control.

It protects the pituitary gland and holds it in place. The pituitary gland regulates several hormonal processes in the body, making the sella important for endocrine health.

It is a benign tumor in the pituitary gland that can affect hormone production and cause symptoms such as vision problems or hormonal disorders.

Using MRI or CT scans, doctors can detect changes such as tumors, cysts, or abnormalities in the sella area.

In empty sella syndrome, the pituitary gland is compressed or reduced, causing the sella turcica to appear empty on X-rays/MRI. It may be asymptomatic or affect hormone production.

Yes, the size of the sella turcica, and its shape, can change slightly with age or with certain conditions that affect the brain or hormonal system.

This is because a jolt from tumors or swelling in the area can affect nearby nerves and structures. When this happens, it leads to headaches.

In some cases, yes – but MRI provides much better detail and is more often used when problems with the pituitary gland or sella area are suspected.

A tumor in the pituitary gland can press on the optic nerve junction above the sella, which can lead to visual field loss, especially affecting peripheral vision.

Endocrinologists and neurologists are the specialists who primarily investigate changes in the sella turcica, as the area houses the pituitary gland and can be affected by hormonal disorders or neurological symptoms.