the Pineal gland Flashcards
1
Q
anatomical position
A
- located between the two cerebral hemispheres
- attatched by a stalk to the posterior wall of third ventricle
- close proximity to the gland are superior colliculi of the midbrain
2
Q
function of pineal gland
A
- main secretion is melatonin which regulates the circadian rhythm of the body
2.
3
Q
vascular supply of pineal gland
A
- supplied by the posterior choroidal arteries are the main supply
- branches arise from the posterior cerebral artery
4
Q
Pineal gland tumours
A
- most common is a germ cell tumour
- Symptoms :
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting - in children - produces accelerated onset of puberty as one of the functions of the gland is to inhibit sexual development
5
Q
Parinaud syndrome
A
- a syndrome caused by pineal gland tumour
- inability to move the eyes upwards due to compression of the superior colliculi
- obstruction of the cerebral aqueduct may produce hydrocephalus