Diaphragma sellae

The Diaphragma sellae (pronounced: /daɪəˈfrægmə sɛˈleɪ/) is a small, circular sheet of dura mater that covers the sella turcica, a saddle-shaped depression in the sphenoid bone of the human skull.

Etymology

The term "Diaphragma sellae" is derived from the Greek words "diaphragma," meaning partition, and "sellae," which is Latin for saddle. This is in reference to its location and function as a partition over the saddle-shaped sella turcica.

Anatomy

The Diaphragma sellae forms a roof over the pituitary gland, allowing a small opening for the passage of the pituitary stalk. It separates the pituitary gland from the subarachnoid space and the meninges, thereby protecting it from pressure changes in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid.

Clinical significance

In some cases, a pituitary adenoma (a type of tumor) can enlarge and push against the diaphragma sellae, causing it to bulge upward. This can lead to visual field defects due to pressure on the optic chiasm, which lies just above the diaphragma sellae.

Related terms

Dura mater: The thick, durable outermost layer of the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Sella turcica: A depression in the sphenoid bone that houses the pituitary gland.
Pituitary gland: A small endocrine gland that produces hormones regulating a wide range of bodily functions.
Pituitary stalk: The connection between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.
Subarachnoid space: The space between the arachnoid mater and pia mater, filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
Meninges: The three membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord.
Pituitary adenoma: A common type of noncancerous tumor that occurs in the pituitary gland.
Optic chiasm: The part of the brain where the optic nerves partially cross.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Diaphragma sellae
Wikipedia's article - Diaphragma sellae

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Diaphragma sellae