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The pineal gland is a part of the human body, especially the human brain. It is located in the middle of the human brain, in between the two hemispheres of the human body. It produces melatonin in the human brain and it is responsible for the human body’s circadian system. In adults, the pineal gland is 5 to 9 mm in size and 0.1 gram in weight. There are many more interesting facts about the pineal gland which we are going to see in this article.
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Keyterms: Pineal gland, Gland, Human brain, human body, hemispheres, melatonin, circadian system, pinealocytes, cell, astrocytes
Anatomy of Pineal Gland
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Basically, the structure of the pineal gland is 0.3 inches long and 0.1 grams of weight. The pineal gland is made up of pinealocytes and supporting cells that manage the functions of astrocytes and give commands to the brain.
Also Read: Parathyroid Hormone
Functions of Pineal Gland
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The pineal glands play an important role in the female hormone levels. Also it affects the women’s fertility and menstrual cycle in the women because of the large amount of melatonin produced in the brain. Basically, the Pineal gland is made up of neuroglial cells, portions of neurons, and cells. This architecture is also called pinealocytes. There are mainly pineal gland functions in the human body. Which are mentioned below.
- Reduced cancer risk:-
According to the researchers and scientists there is a huge interconnection between the cancer risk and the pineal gland. And it plays a significant role in reducing cancer risks. Melatonin is the most useful chemical which is produced by the pineal gland used to reduce the cancer risks.
- Mood Stabilization:-
Basically, Mood stabilization depends on the size of the pineal gland. Because if the pineal gland size increases then it releases more melatonin caffeine and the more melatonin produced the more time the mood will stabilize.
- Reproductive systems in female hormones:-
Due to melatonin, there are hormones produced in the females which are useful in the reproduction systems especially in the females.
- Cardiovascular issues:-
The production of melatonin creates a positive impact on the heart and also on the blood vessels. And it is also useful in heart-related diseases.
Effects of the pineal gland
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With the advantages of the pineal gland, there are many disadvantages also of a pineal gland. It also disturbs the sleep patterns of humans. It also leads to an insomnia disorder. The basic symptoms of the tumor include the following diseases.
- Damage in vision
- Disruptions in memory
- Nausea
- Seizures
Also Read:
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| ADH Hormone | Estrogen Hormone | Insulin and Glucagon |
Things to Remember
- Remember that the pineal gland is also called a conarium, epiphysis cerebri, pineal organ, or pineal body.
- In some types of species, pineal gland is very photosensitive.
- Lack of pineal gland creates hormone deficiency.
- Sometimes, the Pineal gland also affects the reproductive system of the human body.
- Melatonin secretion is low during the daylight hours and high during dark periods.
Also Read: Pituitary gland
Sample Questions
Ques. Which of the following is true about melatonin? (1 mark)
(A) It influence metabolism
(B) It influence pigmentation
(C) It influences the menstrual cycle
(D) All of these
Ans. D) All of these
Ques. The pineal body is considered as (1 mark)
(A) An endocrine gland
(B) An organ concerned with voluntary actions
(C) An organ concerned with vision
(D) A vestige of a third eye
Ans. D) A vestige of a third eye
Que. Identify the hormone with its correct matching of source and function. (1 mark)
(A) Melatonin:- Pineal gland regulates the sleeping cycle of humans
(B) Oxytocin :- Pituitary growth and maintenance of another brain
(C) Atrial factors:- Increases the blood pressure
(D) None of these
Ans. A) Melatonin:- Pineal gland regulates the sleeping cycle of humans
Que. The pineal gland secretes the hormone progesterone which helps to regulate sleep patterns. Thyroid glands release hormones that regulate the level of calcium in the blood with the help of calcitonin which is produced in the parathyroid glands. Select the correct option regarding the given paragraph. (1 mark)
(i) Positions of pineal and parathyroid should be interchanged
(ii) Progesterone must be replaced by melatonin
(iii) Parathyroid should not be replaced as it is correctly mentioned.
(iv) Positions of progesterone and calcitonin should be interchanged
(v) Positions of thyroid and parathyroid should be interchanged
(A) ii and iv only
(B) i, ii, and iii only
(C) ii and v only
(D) All of these
Ans. C) ii and v only
Ii:- Progesterone must be replaced by melatonin
V:- Positions of thyroid and parathyroid should be interchanged
Que. Name one disorder caused by hyperfunction of the pituitary. (1 mark)
Ans. Hyperfunction of the pituitary may cause excessive secretion of the growth hormones.
Que. Hormones produced by the anterior pituitary that has a direct effect on the body, rather than trigger another gland, are : (1 mark)
(A) TSH, ACTH and gonadotropic hormones
(B) FH, LSH, and progesterone
(C) GH and prolactin
(D) All of these
Ans. C) GH and prolactin
Que. Write the corresponding hormones according to their structure (2 marks)
Ans.
- Hypothalamus:- Gonadotropin-releasing
- Anterior pituitary:- FSH and LH
- Testis:- Androgens
- Ovary:- Estrogen
Que. Endocrine gland that functions as biological clock and a neurosecretory transducer is __________. (1 mark)
(A) Adrenal gland
(B) Thyroid gland
(C) Pineal gland
(D) None of these
Ans. C) Pineal gland
Que. Daily rhythms are usually associated with the _____ (1 mark)
(A) Pineal
(B) Thymus
(C) Hypothalamus
(D) Tumor
Ans. A) Pineal
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