the pineal gland

what is the pineal gland?

small endocrine gland

where is the pineal gland located?

- centre of brain between two cerebral hemispheres

- close to superior colliculi of midbrain

what is the pineal gland attached to?

posterior wall of third ventricle by a stalk

what is the main secretion of the pineal gland?

melatonin

what does melatonin do?

regulates circadian rhythm of the body

what is the circadian rhythm?

biological clock

approximately how big is the pineal gland?

6mm

what shape is the pineal gland?

pine cone

how many cell types are present in the pineal gland?

2

what are the 2 types of cells found in the pineal gland?

- pinealocytes

- glial cells

what do the pinealocytes do?

secrete melatonin

what do glial cells do in the pineal gland?

supporting cells

what commonly happens to the pineal gland in middle age?

becomes calcified

what is special about the arterial supply to the pineal gland?

very profuse, second only to the kidney

which arteries supply the pineal gland?

posterior choroidal arteries - 10 branches

where do the posterior choroidal arteries branch from?

posterior cerebral artery

what veins drain the pineal gland?

internal cerebral veins