PRE-NATAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE PINEAL GLAND OF ALBINO RAT

Document Type : Research article

Authors

Abstract

The pre-natal development of the pineal gland of albino rats was studied. In 131/2 days old-embryo, the pineal gland ap < /strong>peared as an evagination from the floor of the third ven tricle. In 161/2 days old-embryo, the dorsal wall of the pineal pouch began to be infolded. In 181/2 days old-embryo, the cavity of the pineal pouch started to obliterate. The Oblitera tion began at the caudal part of the p < /strong>ineal pouch and advanced rostrally. It completed at birth and was achieved by infolding of the dorsal wall and thickening of the p < /strong>ineal epithelium. The pineal epithelium gave rise to the parenchyma of the gland while the mesenchymal tissue derived from the pia mater gave rise to the stroma. Histological and histochemical studies carried out on the pineal gland.