Definition of Sella turcica

Sella turcica: The "Turkish saddle" in which sits the pituitary gland.

The sella is a bony box in the middle of the head. It was called the sella turcica (the Turkish saddle) because of its resemblance to a saddle used by the Turks (and Arabs) which had supports in front and back. (By comparison, the Romans had no saddle but simply rode on a cover tied to the back of the horse.)

The "rider" in the sella turcica, the pituitary gland, (sometimes called the master gland) plays a critical role in regulating growth and development, metabolism, and reproduction. It produces a number of hormones including:

Growth hormone which regulates growth;
ACTH (adrenocorticotropin hormone) which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol;
Thyrotropin which signals the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone;
Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone which
- In women, regulate ovulation and estrogen and progesterone production; and
- In men, regulate sperm formation and testosterone production; and
Prolactin which stimulates the breast to produce milk.