A gland in the brain that appears to regulate some body biorhythms.
A gland that receives light information by way of the eyes and sympathetic nerves. It produces melatonin, serotonin, and acetylserotonin. It is located in the brain between the thalamus and the mesencephalon.
Small cone-shaped gland in the brain thought to secrete melatonin; also called pineal body; epiphysis.
A pinecone-shaped organ in the brain that secretes melatonin; also known as pineal body.
A small, hormone-producing organ located near the base of the brain. The pineal gland secretes melatonin, which has a role in daily biological cycles that are involved in sleep and mood. The secretion of the hormone varies during a 24-hour period and is heaviest at night. The gland also signals the onset of menstruation in girls and is involved in the menstrual cycle.
A small reddish structure, 10 mm in length and shaped somewhat like a pine cone (hence its name), situated on the upper part of the mid-brain. Many theories have been expounded as to its function, but there is increasing evidence that, in some animals at least, it is affected by light and plays a part in hibernation and in controlling sexual activity and the colour of the skin. This it seems to do by means of a substance it produces known as melatonin. There is also growing evidence that it may play a part in controlling the circadian rhythms of the body the natural variations in physiological activities throughout the 24-hour day.
An endocrine gland in the brain, shaped like a pine cone and located in a pocket near the splenium of the corpus callosum. It is the site of melatonin synthesis, which is inhibited by light striking the retina.
Plays a major role in sexual development, sleep, and metabolism.
A tiny pine cone shaped gland in the center of the brain that releases melatonin during the dark phase and inhibits its release during the light phase of the light-dark circadian cycle.
A minute, cone-shaped organ located deep within the brain, the pineal gland is positioned just beneath the rear portion of the corpus callosum. This callosum is composed of nerve fibers that link the two hemispheres of the cerebrum, which is the uppermost and most extensive section of the brain.
The gland’s singular role seems to involve producing the hormone melatonin, a response triggered by shifts in light levels. The quantity of melatonin released fluctuates throughout a 24-hour period, peaking during nighttime. It is believed that the regulation of hormone secretion is orchestrated via nerve pathways originating from the retina in the eye; elevated light levels appear to hinder this secretion. While the precise purpose of melatonin remains unclear, it is speculated that it might aid in harmonizing circadian (24-hour) and other biorhythms.