Pineal body
Pineal body (also known as the pineal gland or simply the pineal) is a small endocrine gland in the vertebrate brain. It produces melatonin, a serotonin-derived hormone which modulates sleep patterns in both circadian and seasonal cycles. The shape of the gland resembles a pine cone, hence its name.
Structure[edit | edit source]
The pineal body is a small, pinecone-shaped gland located in the middle of the brain. It is part of the epithalamus, located between the two hemispheres of the brain. The gland is reddish-gray and about the size of a grain of rice (5–8 mm) in humans.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of the pineal gland is to produce melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone derived from serotonin that is responsible for regulating the body's sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm. The production and release of melatonin are stimulated by darkness and inhibited by light.
Clinical significance[edit | edit source]
The pineal gland can be affected by a variety of diseases and disorders. These include pineal gland cysts, pineal gland tumors, and certain sleep disorders. In addition, the function of the pineal gland can be disrupted by exposure to artificial light during the night, which can interfere with the production of melatonin and disrupt the body's sleep-wake cycle.
History[edit | edit source]
The pineal gland has been a subject of interest and speculation for more than 2,000 years. It was first described by the Greek physician Galen, who believed it to be a valve regulating the flow of thought.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
- Pineal Gland at PubMed Health
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