During transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, the surgeon works beneath a circular fold of dura mater that roofs the sella turcica and is pierced by the infundibulum. This fold is the:

• A Falx cerebelli
• B Tentorium cerebelli
• C Diaphragma sellae ✓
• D Superior petrosal sinus

Explanation

The diaphragma sellae is a small horizontal dural fold spanning the sella turcica between the tuberculum sellae and the dorsum sellae, with a central aperture for the infundibulum and its vessels. The pituitary gland lies below it, so it must be opened during transsphenoidal approaches. The falx cerebelli is a small midline fold below the tentorium, and the superior petrosal sinus runs along the petrous ridge, not over the sella.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.