The Human Epiphysis

Henderson, E. Ellice (1933) The Human Epiphysis. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The epiphysis or pineal body is a cone-shaped, structure resting on the groove between the superior colliculi of the midbrain. The pineal recess of the third ventricle extends into its base so that on sagittal section the body appears to be attached to the brain by a double stalk. The upper limb of attachment is occupied by the habenular commissure; the lower by the posterior commissure which separates the pineal body from the upper end of the Aqueduct of Sylvius. Superiorly the structure is firmly adherent to the under surface of the velum interpositum between the two veins of Galen. Recently brought into prominence as a possible specific in the field of endocrinology this organ has attracted attention since very early times. Many theories regarding its function have been advanced in the course of nearly three hundred years, during which time many investigators have contributed a heterogeneous collection of facts and fancies. In this paper special attention will be paid to the earlier stages of the development of the human pineal body in the hope of establishing a definite relationship with the conditions found in the lower vertebrates. With this essential foundation an examination will be made of the histological features found in the foetus, the child and the adult. Any indication of possible function will then be tested by reference to clinical and experimental evidence.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Morphology
• Date of Award: 1933
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1933-79994
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 03 Mar 2020 10:12
• Last Modified: 03 Mar 2020 10:12
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/79994