Pineal recess

The pineal recess or epiphyseal recess is a small angular recess or diverticulum that sits at the posterior margin of the third ventricle, and extends posteriorly into the stalk of the pineal gland. It is superior to the cerebral aqueduct.

Some anatomists describe a separate suprapineal recess superior to the pineal recess.

Related pathology

When the third ventricle is expanded due to hydrocephalus (e.g. aqueduct stenosis) this recess, along with the infundibular recess and supra-optic recess 'balloons out'.