Pineal gland, Biology

Assignment Help:

PINEAL GLAND (EPIPHYSIS CEREBRI) -

  • It develops from the ectoderm of the embryo.
  • The pineal gland is located between the cerebral hemispheres, where it protrudes from the roof of the third ventricle.
  • The pineal gland is a small rounded body which consists of pineal cells and supporting glial cells.

Hormone - Melatonin concentration in the blood appears to flow a diurnal (day-night) cycle as it arises, in the evening and through the night and drops to a low around noon. Because of this light mediated response, the pineal gland may act as a kind of "biological clock" which may produce circadian rhythms (variations following a 24 hour cycle).

  • Melatonin lightens skin colour in certain animals and regulates working of gonads (testes and ovaries).
  • Light falling on the retina of the eye decreases melatonin production, darkness stimulates melatonin synthesis.

                      Girls blind from birth attain puberty earlier than normal, apparently because there is no                             inhibitory effect of melatonin on ovarian function.

  • Serotonin, a neurotransmitter found in other locations in the brain, is also found in the pineal gland. Research evidence is accumulating to support the idea that the pineal gland may be involved in regulating cyclic phenomena in the body.
  • In man the pineal gland starts to calcify at about the time of puberty. Such calcium deposits are called the brain sand.

Related Discussions:- Pineal gland

Antibiotics, ANTIBIOTICS - Chemicals produced by microorganism that ...

ANTIBIOTICS - Chemicals produced by microorganism that inhibit the growth of other microorganism. Such microorganism which produces the antibiotics are antibiont . Wh

Define about the classification of polyphenols, Define about the Classifica...

Define about the Classification of polyphenols?  The various classes are: a) Phenolic acids and derivatives b) Flavonoids such as Flavonols and Flavones, Isoflavones and

Reproduction, site of fertilistion in human

site of fertilistion in human

Legume - development of seeds, Legume - Development of seeds Outer epi...

Legume - Development of seeds Outer epidermis of the ovary usually forms the exocarp of the leguminous pod. Next few cell layers constitute the mesocarp with thick-walled pare

Define tests to measure flexibility component in the humans, Define Tests t...

Define Tests to Measure Flexibility Component in the Humans? The flexibility component measures the elasticity or range of motion around a joint. This component of physical fi

What are the obstructive lesions of aorto pulmonary window, what are the Ob...

what are the Obstructive Lesions of Aorto Pulmonary Window? These lesions can be divided into two groups: 1) Ventricular outflow obstructive lesions i.e. Aortic Stenosis (AS) P

How cholera is generally spread in humans, How cholera is generally spread ...

How cholera is generally spread in humans Associated Foods: Cholera is generally a disease spread by poor sanitation, resulting in contaminated water supplies. Sporadic cases o

Streptococcal antibody test, In about 80 per cent of ARF patients, ASO titr...

In about 80 per cent of ARF patients, ASO titre is significantly raised. ASO titres vary with age, geographical area and other fevers, which influence frequency of streptococcal in

Genetics , write about complementary genes

write about complementary genes

Nuclear transfer method for gene transfer, Nuclear transfer method: Nucle...

Nuclear transfer method: Nuclear transfer will extend the range of species in which gene targeting will be possible and thereby provide better models to test treatments for human

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd