Skull & Cranial Anatomy
Sella turcica
The sella turcica is a saddle-shaped depression in the sphenoid bone that holds the pituitary gland.
In short: Sella turcica
- Transsphenoidal encephaloceles arise in this region.
- It houses the pituitary gland.
- It is a key skull-base landmark.
- Encephaloceles here can involve hormonal structures.
What it is
It is a saddle-shaped depression in the sphenoid bone at the skull base that holds the pituitary gland. Its name comes from its shape ("Turkish saddle").
Understanding Sella turcica
Because the pituitary sits here, basal encephaloceles in this region — particularly transsphenoidal types — can involve hormonal structures, and the area is a landmark for endoscopic skull-base surgery. Evaluation of an encephalocele in this region may include assessment of pituitary and hormonal function.
Why it matters
Understanding the sella turcica helps families see why some basal encephaloceles can involve hormones and why hormonal evaluation may be part of care for those types.
Common questions
What sits in the sella turcica?
The pituitary gland.
Which encephaloceles involve it?
Transsphenoidal types.
Can it involve hormones?
It can, given the pituitary's location there.
Bottom line
The sella turcica is the bony seat of the pituitary gland, involved in transsphenoidal encephaloceles.
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