Pineal gland, perennial puzzle.

The pineal gland, a small brain structure, has historically been linked to sexuality, mysticism, and the mind-body problem, including Descartes' view of it as the seat of the soul. The article traces its role in the development of endocrinology and neurosurgery, examining its histology, function as a gland, and comparative anatomy as a 'third eye.' Calcifications of the gland aided radiological diagnosis of brain shifts. Ongoing research continues to investigate the pineal as a 'photo-neuro-endocrine transducer.'

Study at a glance

Abstract

Since antiquity this tiny intracranial appendicular organ has aroused sexual connotations and denials. Controversial and enigmatic, it played a significant part in the development of endocrinology and even neurosurgery. What was its histology, what was its role as a gland so intimately attached to the brain? What did comparative anatomists make of it in the light of its function as a 'third eye?' Mysticism and the famous Cartesian apothegm placed it in the center of Eastern and Western approaches to the mind-body problem and to mental disorders. The latter were connected with the common calcifications, so helpful in the radiological diagnosis of brain shifts due to mass lesions. Undefeated, even spurred by continuing uncertainties, researchers keep looking into this 'photo-neuro-endocrine transducer.'