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Multiple Choice
The sella turcica is best described as:
A
A bony projection of the temporal bone behind the ear
B
A flat bone forming the roof of the nasal cavity
C
A saddle-shaped depression in the sphenoid bone that houses the pituitary gland
D
A cartilaginous structure forming the front of the neck
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by identifying the anatomical term 'sella turcica.' The sella turcica is a structure located in the sphenoid bone, which is a cranial bone situated at the base of the skull.
Step 2: Understand the function of the sella turcica. It serves as a protective housing for the pituitary gland, a vital endocrine organ responsible for hormone regulation.
Step 3: Analyze the shape and location of the sella turcica. It is described as a saddle-shaped depression, which is a distinctive feature of the sphenoid bone.
Step 4: Compare the given options to the anatomical description of the sella turcica. Eliminate choices that do not match its location, shape, or function. For example, options describing structures in the temporal bone or cartilaginous areas are unrelated to the sella turcica.
Step 5: Confirm that the correct answer is 'A saddle-shaped depression in the sphenoid bone that houses the pituitary gland,' as this matches the anatomical and functional description of the sella turcica.