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

Kingdom fungi, what are the characteristis in species in the phyla division...

what are the characteristis in species in the phyla division

Management of diabetes, By now you know that diabetes cannot be cured but c...

By now you know that diabetes cannot be cured but can be treated so that an individual leads a normal life. Patients who maintain their blood glucose levels within the normal range

Define vitamin and mineral supplements for treatment for pem, Define Vitami...

Define Vitamin and mineral supplements for treatment for PEM? All cases of severe PEM require multivitamin preparation to meet the increased demands during recovery. Iron (60 m

Show the extracellular digestion related to tissue, Q. How is extracellular...

Q. How is extracellular digestion related to tissue and cellular specialization? A variety of specialized tissues and cells appeared with extracellular digestion to provide enz

Determine the various neurobehavioural characteristics, Determine the vario...

Determine the various neurobehavioural characteristics Contemporary views of brain function tend to conceptualise localisation in interaction with a number of developmental and

Describe class aves in details, Describe Class Aves in details? Class ...

Describe Class Aves in details? Class Aves: The fossil record contains evidence that birds evolved from the reptiles. Birds share anatomical features with Protoavis and Archa

Requirements of glutamine in diverticular disease, Q. Requirements of Gluta...

Q. Requirements of Glutamine in diverticular disease? Glutamine: Wile specific nutrients that may have an impact on diverticula disease have not been studied as thoroughly as t

Explain full liquid diet, Explain Full Liquid Diet Full Liquid Diet:  ...

Explain Full Liquid Diet Full Liquid Diet:   This diet provides foods and fluids that are liquid or semi liquid at room temperature. The type of food provided may vary dependi

Coagulation - blood collection , Coagulation - Blood Collection : Plasm...

Coagulation - Blood Collection : Plasma is used to minimize the time needed for coagulation so it is used is medical emergencies. There are many types of anticoagulants used

Definition of rabies, Question 1 Explain various methods employed for ...

Question 1 Explain various methods employed for the lab diagnosis of rabies Definition of rabies Listing of various methods employed for rabies Explaining the meth

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