Lateral sellar compartment: history and anatomy

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Anatomy
• Radiology

Background:

• The lateral sellar compartment is a complex anatomical region.
• Understanding its detailed anatomy is crucial for surgical planning and diagnosis.
• Current terminology may not accurately reflect the region's complex structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the historical development of anatomical knowledge regarding the lateral sellar compartment.
• To delineate the known and unknown anatomical features of this region.
• To critically evaluate the term "cavernous sinus" for this compartment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of anatomical studies.
• Historical analysis of neurosurgical and anatomical texts.
• Comparative anatomical review.

Main Results:

• Detailed review of the lateral sellar compartment's anatomical structures.
• Identification of gaps in current anatomical knowledge.
• Analysis of the etymology and application of the term "cavernous sinus".

Conclusions:

• The term "cavernous sinus" is a misnomer for the lateral sellar compartment.
• Accurate anatomical terminology is essential for clear communication in medicine.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the anatomy of the lateral sellar compartment.