turcica

Turcica is the Latin term meaning “Turkish,” used in anatomy to name saddle-shaped structures. The most familiar example is the sella turcica, a saddle-shaped depression on the superior aspect of the sphenoid bone at the base of the skull. The name reflects its resemblance to a Turkish saddle.

Anatomy and location: The sella turcica comprises three contiguous parts: the tuberculum sellae at the anterior border, the hypophyseal fossa in the middle that houses the pituitary gland, and the dorsum sellae at the posterior border. The roof is formed by the diaphragma sellae, a dural covering bridging the tuberculum and dorsum. The anterior and posterior clinoid processes project from the rims of the sella. Superior to the sella lie the optic chiasm and optic nerves, and the pituitary gland is connected to the hypothalamus by the infundibulum (pituitary stalk).

Development and variation: The sella turcica is formed by the sphenoid bone and its size and contour vary among individuals. Radiologic imaging may reveal calcifications, enlargement, or shallow depressions. Pathology can remodel the sella, and pituitary disorders may extend lesions into adjacent areas such as the cavernous sinus or suprasellar region.

Clinical significance: The sella turcica serves as an important radiologic landmark in CT and MRI of the skull base. Pituitary adenomas and other sellar lesions can present with hormonal disturbances or mass effects on the optic apparatus. Conditions such as empty sella syndrome and traumatic fractures of the sella are also described in medical literature.