Examination of the topography and morphometry of hypophysis (glandula pituitaria) by computed tomography in New Zealand Rabbits

The aim of this study is to determine the morphometry of hypophysis of the New Zealand rabbit by using the computed tomography images and its topography according to the anatomical structures in the cavum cranii. For this purpose, the head of 12 (6 female, 6 male) New Zealand Rabbits was scanned in a prone position by using Multi-Detector Computed Tomography. Three-dimensional modeling of the images obtained was performed. Morphometric analysis of the hypophysis, the three-dimensional modeling of which was performed, and its topographic measurements were taken according to the adjacent structures. When the data were examined, it was found that protuberantia occipitalis externa value was statistically significant in terms of sexes (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between other data in terms of sexes (P>0.05). When the correlation analysis was examined, positive correlations between the gland volume and volume of cavum cranii (P<0.01) and between volume and surface area of cavum cranii were detected (P<0.05). Consequently, it is thought that the data of the study would contribute to the operative and experimental studies to be conducted on the region by determining the morphometry and topography of the hypophysis in New Zealand rabbits.