Pineal Gland S3M1

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When does the pineal gland begin development

10th week
Dorsal diverticulum (epiphysis)

An out-pocketing of the Diencephalon that initiates the formation of the Pineal gland
The Pineal recess communicates with

The third ventricle
What are the two cell types of the pineal gland derived from

Primordial neuroepithelial cells
What are the two types of cells in the Pineal gland
- Pinealocytes
- Glial like interstitial cells
Connective tissue septa in the pineal gland is formed by

The envelopment of the Pineal gland by the meninges
What type of organ is the Pineal gland

Neuroendocrine organ
Pinealocytes

These are organized in cords and clusters in the Pineal gland and secrete primarily melatonin
Melatonin is synthesized by

The conversion of Tryptophan into Serotonin and then to Melatonin
Melatonin is highest and lowest when

Highest at night, lowest in the day
Corpora arenacea

"Brain sand" Calcified extracellular concretions made of CaPO4 and CaCO3
Corpora arenacea appear when, and have what clinical feature
- They appear in early childhood and increase in size with age
- They are a good landmark in brain x-rays and scans
Pinealocytes have what that lies near capillaries

One or two long cytoplasmic processes terminating near capillaries
The cytoplasm of the Pinealocytes are abundant with

Mitochondria
Exposure to light causes a rapid decrease in what substance in the pineal gland, with what effect

Rapid decrease in N-acetyltransferase which lowers the melatonin synthesis (Only found in the pineal gland)
5-Hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase
- Only found in the Pineal gland
- Converts serotonin to melatonin when light is contacting the eyes
Melatonin may stimulate the release of Growth hormone by

Inhibiting Somatostatin release
What kind of nerve fibers synapse on pinealocytes
- Sympathetic Post ganglionic axons that lose the myelin sheath upon entering the Pineal gland
- They release Norepinephrine
Seasonal Affected Disorder (SAD)

This is a type of depression that affects some people in the winter that is corrected when exposed to bright light
Precocious puberty can be caused by

A tumor in the Pineal gand

Author

lancesadams

89966

Card Set

Pineal Gland S3M1

Description

Micro Anatomy

Updated

2011-08-13T03:08:50Z

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