Anatomy and Microsurgical Anatomy of the Pineal Region

The pineal region is located at the posterior part of the incisural space. This region includes the pineal body within the quadrigeminal arachnoidal cistern. This article reviews the anatomic features of this region, with particular emphasis on those of interest for surgical access to the pineal region.

Five cadaver heads fixed in 10% formalin and injected with colored latex were used for anatomic dissection.

The pineal body is surrounded by the following structures: posterior part of the third ventricle, tectum, the complex of the great cerebral vein of Galen, pulvinar nuclei of the thalamus, and splenium of corpus callosum.

The surgical approach of the pineal body, whatever the way or the technique used (microsurgical, endoscopic, or stereotactic), creates a great challenge for the neurosurgeons by its location in the deep of the brain and its closed relationships with complex surrounding structures.