sella turcica (hypophyseal fossa)

Introduction

A saddle-like bony process on the upper surface of the body of the sphenoid bone.

With its dural covering it forms the hypophyseal fossa that accomodates the pituitary gland.

The sella turcica includes the tuberculum sellae anteriorly & the dorsum sellae posteriorly & the hypophyseal fossa.

More general terms

• bony process

Additional terms

• pituitary (hypophysis)

Component of

• sphenoid bone

Components

• tuberculum sellae
• dorsum sellae