The Pineal Gland

Question 1

What type of gland is the pineal gland

Answer 1

Endocrine gland

Question 2

What is the main secretion of the pineal gland and eat does this secretion do for the body

Answer 2

Its main secretion is melatonin, which regulates the circadian rhythm of the body. It is also thought to produce hormones that inhibit the action of other endocrine glands in the body.

Question 3

Name the two types of cells present within the pineal gland

Answer 3

Pinealocytes – hormone secreting cells.

Glial cells – supporting cells.

Question 4

Describe the anatomical position of the pineal body?

Answer 4

Anatomical Position

The pineal gland is a midline structure, located between the two cerebral hemispheres. It is attached by a stalk to the posterior wall of third ventricle. In close proximity to the gland are the superior colliculi of the midbrain – paired structures that play an important role in vision.

Question 5

Describe the vasculature and the venous drainage of the pineal gland

Answer 5

The arterial supply to the pineal gland is profuse, second only to the kidney. The posterior choroidal arteries are the main supply; they are a set of 10 branches that arise from the posterior cerebral artery.

Venous drainage is via the internal cerebral veins.