Distribution of calcification within the pineal gland.

The distribution of calcification in the normal pineal gland was investigated by a macroradiographic in vitro technique. The centre of calcification in 72 out of 73 glands studied was within 2 mm of the mid-line of the gland. In one gland it lay 2.6 mm from the mid-line. These findings explain the accepted normal limits for pineal calcification on the standard semi-axial projection of the skull of up to 2 mm to either side of the mid-line and the occasional measurement in excess of this in normal subjects.