Hypophyseal (pituitary) fossa

Definition

The hypophyseal fossa, also known as the pituitary fossa, is a depression in the sphenoid bone of the skull that houses the pituitary gland. It is located within the sella turcica, a bony structure at the base of the brain.

Related terms

Sphenoid Bone:

A butterfly-shaped bone at the base of the skull that provides structural support and contains the hypophyseal fossa.

Pituitary Gland:

An endocrine gland about the size of a pea located in the hypophyseal fossa, responsible for hormone production and regulation.

Sella Turcica: A saddle-shaped area on the upper surface of the sphenoid bone that encompasses and protects the pituitary gland within its hypophyseal fossa