Applied anatomy of the pituitary gland and fossa. A radiological and histopathological study based on 50 necropsies

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Abstract
The radiological anatomy of 50 pituitary glands and fossae has been studied in detail. Particular attention was paid to variations in the position of the diaphragma sellae relative to bony landmarks of the sella and to the relationship of the carotid siphons to the gland. Marked variations in the shape of the gland and in the level of the centre of the diaphragma sellae were observed. The carotid arteries have a more intimate relationship with the gland than standard anatomical texts imply, and in several of the specimens studied, appeared to compress the gland and to undercut the posterior clinoids. Erosion of the curved lateral margins of the dorsum sellae by tortuous internal carotid arteries may explain senile “thinning” of the dorsum. All glands were studied microscopically, and in eight out of the 50, a sub-diaphragmatic extension of the subarachnoid space was observed. Other anomalies of the diaphragma and variations in the bony contour of the fossa are commented upon and illustrated. Attention is drawn to the implications of these observations for operative procedures on the pituitary gland.