What does sella mean?
The noun sella is specialized anatomical terminology derived from Latin. It denotes a saddle-shaped structure, most commonly the sella turcica, the part of the sphenoid bone at the base of the skull that supports and partly encloses the pituitary gland. The name comes from the structure's resemblance to a saddle. In radiology and clinical medicine, the term appears in discussions of abnormalities such as an enlarged sella, an empty sella, or changes affecting the pituitary gland. Although “sella” can occasionally occur alone, particularly in anatomical contexts, “sella turcica” is the more frequent and usually more informative expression. The word is not normally used in everyday conversation. Its strongest associations are therefore with skull anatomy, endocrinology, and medical imaging rather than with an ordinary seat or riding equipment.
nounAn anatomical term for a saddle-shaped structure, especially the saddle-shaped part of the sphenoid bone that supports the pituitary gland in the cranial cavity.
- A saddle-shaped anatomical structure, particularly the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone, which supports and partly encloses the pituitary gland.
"The scan revealed an enlarged sella turcica."
"The radiologist reported that the sella turcica was enlarged."
"An empty sella may occur in people with no identifiable pituitary disorder."
The standard anatomical plural retains the Latin form.
"The radiologist compared the sellae of the two patients."
The sella is the pituitary gland's saddle-shaped bony seat, giving it a name that literally means “saddle.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sella come from?
The word comes ultimately from Latin sella, meaning “saddle” or “seat.” Its anatomical sense developed from the resemblance of the sphenoid region's shape to a saddle. English medical usage retained this Latin form, and the related anatomical term sella turcica explicitly identifies the same saddle-shaped part of the sphenoid bone.
How sella is actually used
This is specialized medical terminology. It is usually encountered in the compound “sella turcica,” and its Latin plural “sellae” is retained in anatomical writing.