Section through the tip of the pineal gland from a human brain, stained with haematoxylin and eosin. The gland is seen to consist of irregular masses of small polygonal cells, separated by connective tissue septa in which are numerous blood vessels. The arachnoidal tissue near the tip of the gland is filled with numerous small calcareous bodies (the so-called "brain-sand") which are commonly regarded as degenerative products. Above the pineal gland and intimately related to it is the great cerebral vein. The photograph is at a magnification of X 39.

Original card