Re: Evolution of the Turkish Saddle

On Jul 9, 2:30 pm, MicroTech <Henry.KO.Nor...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Roughly in the center of our skull, there is a small sphenoid bone
pocket called "Sella Turcica" (Turkish Saddle, due to its similarity
in shape to same), providing a snug and safe resting place for the
pituitary gland (hypophysis cerebri).

Does anyone have a reasonable explanation as to why this "saddle,"
located in one of the best protected spaces of the entire body (deep
inside the head) should have evolved?

Henry Norman

I found the following site with a diagram.
pathology2.jhu.edu/hypophysitis/howhlookslike.cfm

The explanation that came with the diagram was as follows:
"The size and the functionality of the opening are important in
protecting the pituitary from transmitted pulsations of the choroid
plexus and in protecting the optic fibers against suprasellar
extension of an expanding pituitary mass."



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