The hypothalamus is a region of the brain controlling many aspects of the endocrine system. It works closely with the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus is directly superior to the pituitary and is, therefore,________ .
A) superior to the crista galli
B) superior to the sella turcica
C) inferior to the cribriform plate
D) the only region of the brain that is outside of the skull

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus is located directly superior to the pituitary gland and is housed within the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone. Therefore, it is superior to the sella turcica. Choice A is incorrect because the crista galli is a bony structure that protrudes upwards from the ethmoid bone and does not relate to the location of the hypothalamus. Choice C is incorrect because the cribriform plate is also a part of the ethmoid bone and is located in the anterior cranial fossa, which is inferior to the sella turcica. Choice D is incorrect because the hypothalamus, like all other parts of the brain, is encased within the skull.

The Hypothalamus Is a Region of the Brain Controlling Many