Question

Brain sand is associated with
A. Thymus gland
B. Pineal gland
C. Thyroid gland
D. Pituitary gland

Answer 1

Hint: Brain sand is also known as corpora arenacea and is found generally in aged patients. Brain sand are calcified structures present in certain parts of the brain.

Complete step by step answer: Brain sand or corpora arenacea refers to calcified structures present in the parts of the brain. The sand like substance is rich in salts of calcium and magnesium. The concentration of brain sand is more in older individuals; however, they are known to be present in children as well. Presence of brain sand does not correlate with any pathological condition.
Brain sand is found primarily in the pineal gland of the brain. Any specific function of brain sand is unknown. However, the concentration of brain sand proves to be useful in imaging techniques like X-rays. This is because it helps to locate the pineal gland in X-rays and functions as a landmark to detect intracranial diseases.
The Thymus is a lymphoid organ located in front of the heart, behind the sternum in the upper chest. Thymus functions as a part of the acquired immune system. The thymus functions to produce T-cells or T-lymphocytes. The T-cells are involved in eliminating pathogens from the body. Reduction in T-cell production can cause autoimmune diseases.
Thyroid gland is located in the neck, below the Adam’s Apple. The Thyroid is an endocrine gland. It comprises follicular cells and parafollicular cells that function to produce two hormones called the tri-iodothyronine or T3 and thyroxine or T4. The secretions of the thyroid gland regulate growth in children, protein synthesis and metabolic activity in adults. The thyroid gland, in turn, is regulated by the pituitary gland.
Pituitary gland is an endocrine gland located at the base of the brain. Its primary function is to secrete hormones like Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Adrenocorticotropic Hormones, Growth hormone and Prolactin. These hormones help to regulate blood pressure, metabolic activities and influence other glands to secrete their own secretions.
Therefore, from the above discussion we can conclude that Brain sand is present in the Pineal Gland of the brain.
Hence, option (b) is correct.

Note: Pineal Gland comprise Brain sand or corpora arenacea. The sand like particles are magnesium and calcium salts. They help to identify the pineal gland during X-rays. They prove to be important landmarks while detecting cranial diseases. Brain sand increases with age and does not indicate any specific pathological condition.