3D Geometric Morphometric Analysis on Sexual Dimorphism in the Sella Turcica in Romanov Sheep Using CT Scan

BACKGROUND: The sella turcica is a depression located on the sphenoid bone at the base of the skull that houses the pituitary gland. The morphological characteristics of this region provide important insights into growth and development, endocrine system functions and the evaluation of various pathologies. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate morphological differences in the sella turcica between male and female Romanov sheep using three-dimensional geometric morphometric methods. METHODS: A total of 20 Romanov sheep specimens (10 males and 10 females) were analysed. Thirteen anatomical landmarks were identified on three-dimensional models and processed using the software 3D Slicer. The resulting landmark coordinates were statistically analysed using PAST to test sexual shape differences. RESULTS: Shape variations were mainly associated with differences in the depth and contour of the fossa hypophysialis and the rostral and caudal clinoid processes. Male specimens exhibited a deeper and longer sella turcica, whereas female specimens showed a wider and shallower morphology. Statistical analysis revealed that these sexual shape differences were significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Geometric morphometric analysis demonstrated that the sella turcica exhibits marked sex-related shape variations. These anatomical differences may provide valuable reference data for clinical, zooarchaeological, forensic and anthropological studies aimed at identifying sex-related morphological traits.