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

What is acid cleaning compounds, Q. What is Acid cleaning compounds? Ac...

Q. What is Acid cleaning compounds? Acid-based cleaners like phosphoric acid and hydrofluoric acid are commonly used. They are very useful in removing minimal scales that

Define surface sampling, Define Surface Sampling Food contact surfaces ...

Define Surface Sampling Food contact surfaces (e.g. storage tank, packaging material, ripening room, utensils, equipments, refrigerators etc.) which directly or indirectly (wal

What is the microflake - t dehydration, What is the Microflake - T Dehydrat...

What is the Microflake - T Dehydration? This technique involves the drying of a continuous sheet of foam 20 mm thick on a continuous stainless steel belt. The later is heated f

Bud dormancy - plant growth substances, Bud Dormancy - Plant Growth Substan...

Bud Dormancy - Plant Growth Substances Environmental Factors The most important factor inducing dormancy appears to be photoperiod. Short days induce dormancy in many w

Preventive measures of rheumatic fever, Preventive Measure Primary p...

Preventive Measure Primary prevention Early detection and treatment of group "A" b-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis. Penicillin is the commonly prescribed drug. Educ

Photosynthesis, test to prove that carbondioxide is needed for photosynthes...

test to prove that carbondioxide is needed for photosynthesis to take place

What is esophagus called, What is the valve that separates the stomach from...

What is the valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus called? What is its function? The valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus is the cardia. It has the

Homo sapiens sapiens (modern man), Hom o sapiens sapiens (MODER N MA...

Hom o sapiens sapiens (MODER N MAN) - Developed from Cro-Magnon about 10,000 years ago after last glacial period in the regions of Caspian and Mediterranean seas.

Define unsaturated fatty acids, Unsaturated fatty  acids Unsaturated  f...

Unsaturated fatty  acids Unsaturated  fatty  acids  are  liquid at  room  temperature  and  are characterized by having one or more double bonds. Fatty acids having two or more

Barriers to fertilisation, Barriers to Fertilisation Incompatibility c...

Barriers to Fertilisation Incompatibility can occur anywhere from pollination to syngamy and consequently obstructing fertilisation. The pollen fails to germinate or the polle

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