Pineal Gland

Biology

definition

Pineal gland- Origin, location and structure

Pineal gland is also called as pineal body or epiphysis or the third eye. 
Origin
  • Develops from the Ectoderm of the embryo
Location
  • It is located behind the third cerebral ventricle on the dorsal side of the fore brain
Structure
  • It has a pine-cone like structure and consists of pineal cells and supporting glial cells.
  • It lower vertebrates it has an eye-like structure and acts as a light receptor (hence the name third eye)

definition

Hormones of the pineal gland

The Pineal gland produces only one hormone called the melatonin. The functions of melatonin are as follows
  • Both melatonin and its precursor called serotonin are synthesized in the pineal gland
  • Tryptamine (an alkaloid substance) is the precursor for both melatonin and serotonin. 
  • Melatonin plays an important role in the diurnal rhythm (e.g. sleep-wake cycle) of the body.
  • Melatonin causes a sense of drowsiness (sleepiness) in the brain at night time, which affects the modulation of sleep patterns.
  • Melatonin also influences metabolism, pigmentation, menstrual cycle and immunity.

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