Sella turcica

The 'Turkish saddle' in which sits the pituitary gland.</P> 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.)</P> 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:</P> > >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</LI></UL> >Prolactin which stimulates the breast to produce milk.</LI></UL>