Hypophyseal fossa
Fossa hypophysialis
- Synonym: Pituitary fossa
- Related terms: Hypophysial fossa
Definition
The hypophyseal fossa is the hollow indentation found on the top surface of the body of sphenoid bone. It serves as a space for the pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis cerebri. This area is enclosed by two bony edges: the tuberculum sellae at the front and the dorsum sellae at the back. Together, the hypophyseal fossa, dorsum sellae, and tuberculum sellae make up the sella turcica.
The hypophyseal fossa, along with the pituitary gland it holds, is covered by the diaphragma sellae, which is a double layer of dura mater. This covering is anchored to the front and back edges of the sella turcica.
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Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2024 IMAIOS.
Standring, S. (2016). ‘Chapter 28: Intracranial region’ in Gray’s anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice. (41st ed.) New York NY: Elsevier, pp. 431-432.