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

Define the concept of nutrition, Define the Concept of Nutrition? Nutri...

Define the Concept of Nutrition? Nutrition may be defined as the science of food and its relationship to health. It is concerned primarily with the past played by nutrients in

Explain penicillin allergy, Penicillin allergy Cefazolin is often used ...

Penicillin allergy Cefazolin is often used for prophylaxis in penicillin-allergic patients, but such patients rarely may have allergic reactions to cephalosporins. When allergy

Protein digestion, Protein Digestion Enzymes that digest proteins are ...

Protein Digestion Enzymes that digest proteins are divided into two groups endopeptidases and exopeptidases according to site of their action in the protein molecule. Endopept

Why are glucorticoids used in transplant patients, Why are glucorticoids us...

Why are glucorticoids used in transplant patients? Patients with transplanted organs are prone to host versus graft rejection as their own immune system tends to attack the gr

Explain why meat products causes diabetics, Explain why Meat products cause...

Explain why Meat products causes diabetics Diabetics can have meat products in case they eat non-vegetarian food. Baking, roasting or grilling is preferable to frying. Patient

Ethylene - plant hormones, Ethylene - Plant Hormones Amongst hormones ...

Ethylene - Plant Hormones Amongst hormones in both plant and animal kingdoms, ethylene, a gaseous hydrocarbon, is unique. Despite its chemical simplicity, it is a potent growt

Disorder of platelets - purpura, Disorder of Platelets - Purpura Purpu...

Disorder of Platelets - Purpura Purpuras  are bleeding disorders characterised by petechiae  and ecchymosis which may be due to deficiency in either,  the number or quality of

What are the hormones produced by the testicles, What are the hormones prod...

What are the hormones produced by the testicles and the ovaries? The testicles make androgenic hormones, the major of them being testosterone. The ovaries make estrogen and pro

Name the t major groups of cells, Name the t major groups of cells required...

Name the t major groups of cells required in attaining specific immunity. Name the end products of aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis List two ways by which molecules of ATP are

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