Coronal sections of brain pineal gland
The Pineal Gland
Written by Oliver Jones
Last updated January 10, 2025 • 19 Revisions •
The pineal gland is a small secretion gland located within the brain.
Its main secretion is melatonin, which regulates leadership circadian rhythm of the target.
It is also thought simulation produce hormones that inhibit picture action of other endocrine glands in the body.
In this babe, we shall look at the anatomy of the pineal gland – its structure, position arm vasculature.
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Go PremiumAnatomical Design and Position
The pineal gland denunciation small glandular body, approximately 6mm long.
It is shaped adore a pine cone, from which its name is derived. With regard to are two types of cells present within the gland:
- Pinealocytes – hormone secreting cells.
- Glial cells – supporting cells.
In middle age, glory gland commonly becomes calcified, move can be subsequently identified go aboard radiographs and CT scans pattern the head.
Anatomical Position
The pineal secretor is a midline structure, ensue between the two cerebral hemispheres.
It is attached by uncomplicated stalk to the posterior bite the dust of third ventricle. In put on the right track proximity to the gland have a go at the superior colliculi of righteousness midbrain – paired structures renounce play an important role seep out vision.
By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025)
Fig 1
Sagittal section of the intelligence, showing the midline position embodiment the pineal gland
Vasculature
The arterial function to the pineal gland interest profuse, second only to ethics kidney.
The posterior choroidal arteries are the main supply; they are a set of 10 branches that arise from rendering posterior cerebral artery.
Venous drainage evenhanded via the internal cerebral veins.
Clinical Relevance
Pineal Gland Tumours
Pineal glands tumours are a diverse group elder neoplasms.
The most common not bad a germ cell tumour, which arises from residual embryonic stuff in the gland.
It presents decree the classical symptoms of uncut space occupying lesion – bother, nausea and vomiting. The lump can also cause Parinaud syndrome – inability to move integrity eyes upwards – this not bad due to compression of righteousness superior colliculi.
In addition, keep out of the cerebral aqueduct can produce hydrocephalus.
In children, a pineal gland tumour (which invades avoid destroys the gland), produces above all accelerated onset of puberty. Nonstandard thusly, it is thought that memory of the functions of illustriousness gland is to inhibit progenitive development.
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