Sympathetic Innervation of the Pineal Gland

An anatomical reference of the pineal gland's position and innervation

Anatomical

Challenge:

The pineal gland is an important structure that is rarely highlighted within anatomical textbooks and references. Its sympathetic innervation controls melatonin release in response to light/dark cycles. However, this pathway is not well-elucidated and has not been visualized in a comprehensive way.

Solution:

This illustration fills the knowledge gap by highlighting the pineal gland relative to other structures within the midbrain. In addition, the pathway itself is highlighted throughout its connections. Unlike conventional representations, by using a cut convention, the cervical spinal cord can be visualized in proximity as well.

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Client

Prof. Shelley Wall

Target Audience

Anatomy and medical students

Sympathetic Innervation of the Pineal Gland​

An anatomical reference of the Pineal gland's position and innervation

Anatomical

Challenge:

The pineal gland is an important structure that is rarely highlighted within anatomical textbooks and references. Its sympathetic innervation controls melatonin release in response to light/dark cycles. However, this pathway is not well-elucidated and has not been visualized in a comprehensive way. ​

Solution:

This illustration fills the knowledge gap by highlighting the pineal gland relative to other structures within the midbrain. In addition, the pathway itself is highlighted throughout its connections. Unlike conventional representations, by using a cut convention, the cervical spinal cord can be visualized in proximity as well. ​

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Client

Prof. Shelley Wall

Target Audience

Anatomy and medical students

Process

Ideation and Research

Peer-reviewed articles, anatomical references and medical textbooks were used to formulate an information base about the pineal gland’s relative position, its sympathetic innervation pathway and the targets of each segment within the pathway.

Comprehensive Sketches

Maquette

Using Maya, the right hemisphere of the brain was isolated and put into position according to the final comprehensive sketch.

Maquette

Using Maya, the right hemisphere of the brain was isolated and put into position according to the final comprehensive sketch.