Anatomy of the Face - Flipbook - Page 44
Sella turcica (Turkish Saddale)
The sella turcica is a saddle shaped cavity which is within the body of the sphenoid and contains the pituitary gland. Its name is
from the ‘Turkish saddle’ which was used by soldiers during the times of the Ottoman Empire and was famous for having four
corners. Crucial structures that form the boundaries of the sella turcica are the anterior and posterior clinoid processes. They are
small projections from the sphenoid bone, and forms the anterior and posterior posts of the ‘four poster bed’ like structure in which
the pituitary gland sits.
The sella turcica lies within the body of the sphenoid bone, which has a wedgelike shape and looks like a key that slots into the
floor of the skull. The sphenoid bone is found as part of the posterior part of the anterior cranial fossa, as well as the middle cranial
fossa. It has numerous foramina.
The pituitary gland (hypophysis), is the master gland of the endocrine system. It is an ovoid-shaped structure, located in the sella
turcica of sphenoid bone. The pituitary gland is anatomically and functionally closely related to the hypothalamus. The main
function of the pituitary gland is to produce hormones that regulate many vital functions and processes, such as metabolism,
growth, sexual maturation, reproduction, blood pressure and many other vital physical functions and processes. The hormones
secreted by the gland affect nearly every body system (e.g. other endocrine glands, cardiovascular system, digestive system,
reproductive system, etc). It’s interesting to note that the main function of the posterior portion of the pituitary is to store and
release two hormones secreted by the hypothalamus; ADH and oxytocin.
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide produced by the neurosecretory cells of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei. It participates
mainly in the processes related to reproduction and childbirth (such as uterine contractions and lactation), as well as in human
behaviour (e.g. social bonding).
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), or arginine-vasopressin, is mainly produced in the supraoptic and paraventricular regions of the
hypothalamus. It is essential in the control of the body’s electrolyte balance, blood pressure and kidney functioning.
SELLA TURCICA
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