Pineal gland
A small gland that is located near the center of the brain. This gland secretes melatonin, and it may therefore be part of the body’s sleep-regulation apparatus. Also known as pineal body.
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- Pineal region tumor
A brain tumor on or near the pineal gland. There are multiple types of pineal gland tumors, most of which are not cancerous but can nonetheless cause extreme distress. Diagnosis is made via biopsy of affected tissue. Benign pineal tumors are treated with surgery; malignant tumors may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
- Pinealoma
An uncommon slow-growing tumor of the pineal gland. Also known as a pinealocytoma and pineocytoma.
- Pinel system
The policy of treating the mentally ill in hospitals and other institutions humanely and without the use of forcible restraints of any type. Named for the great French psychiatrist, Philippe Pinel (1745-1826), who was named director of the Bic�tre Hospital in 1793 and shortly thereafter director of the Salp�triere Hospital, also in Paris, and who […]
- Pineoblastoma
A fast-growing brain tumor in the pineal gland that originates in neuroepithelial cells. This malignancy is considered by many to be one of the primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs). Also known as pinealoblastoma.
- Pineocytoma
An uncommon slow-growing tumor of the pineal gland. Symptoms include hydrocephalus, paralysis of upward gaze, gait disturbances, and precocious puberty. Also known as a pinealocytoma or pinealoma.