Dorsum sellae

Dorsum sellae is a square-shaped plate of bone located at the back of the sella turcica, a depression in the sphenoid bone of the human skull. The term "dorsum sellae" is derived from Latin, with "dorsum" meaning "back" and "sellae" meaning "saddle".

Etymology

The term "dorsum sellae" comes from Latin. "Dorsum" translates to "back" in English, and "sellae" translates to "saddle". This is a reference to the shape and position of the dorsum sellae, which resembles the back of a saddle.

Anatomy

The dorsum sellae is part of the sphenoid bone, one of the seven bones that make up the orbit in the human skull. It forms the posterior boundary of the sella turcica, a depression in the sphenoid bone that houses the pituitary gland. The dorsum sellae is square or rectangular in shape and is characterized by four small tubercles, two on each side, known as the posterior clinoid processes.

Clinical significance

The dorsum sellae is an important anatomical landmark in neurosurgery and radiology. It is often used as a reference point in imaging studies of the brain and skull, particularly in the evaluation of the pituitary gland and the parasellar region. Abnormalities of the dorsum sellae, such as erosion or enlargement, can indicate pathological conditions like pituitary adenomas or other sellar and parasellar tumors.

Related terms

• Sella turcica: A depression in the sphenoid bone that houses the pituitary gland.
• Sphenoid bone: One of the seven bones that make up the orbit in the human skull.
• Pituitary gland: A small endocrine gland that produces hormones regulating a wide range of bodily functions.
• Parasellar region: The area surrounding the sella turcica, including the cavernous sinuses, the optic chiasm, and the pituitary gland.
• Pituitary adenomas: Benign tumors that occur in the pituitary gland.

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