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The pineal gland (also known as the pineal body [1] or epiphysis cerebri) is a small endocrine gland in the brain of most vertebrates. It produces melatonin , a serotonin -derived hormone , which modulates sleep patterns following the diurnal cycles . [ 2 ]
The pineal gland is attached to the brain in this region. [7] The medial habenula (MHb) receives connections from posterior septum pellucidum and diagonal band of Broca; the lateral habenula receives afferents from the lateral hypothalamus, nucleus accumbens, internal globus pallidus, ventral pallidum, and diagonal band of Broca. [8]
The ancient Greeks visualised the pineal gland as a sort of guard (valve), like the pylorus of stomach, that regulate the flow of pneuma (vital spirits) in the brain. Galen of Pergamum in the 2nd century CE was the first to make written record of the gland and argued against the prevailing concept.
The pineal gland is located in the diencephalon of the brain. It primarily releases melatonin, which influences daily rhythms and may have an antigonadotropic effect in humans. [citation needed] It may also influence the melanotropes and melanocytes located in the skin. [citation needed]
The brain is the central organ of the human nervous system, ... the pineal gland, the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the subthalamus; the limbic structures, ...
The epithalamus is a tiny structure that comprises the habenular trigone, the pineal gland, and the habenular commissure. It is wired with the limbic system and basal ganglia . Species that possess a photoreceptive parapineal organ show asymmetry in the epithalamus at the habenula, to the left (dorsal).
Pinealocytes are the main cells contained in the pineal gland, located behind the third ventricle and between the two hemispheres of the brain.The primary function of the pinealocytes is the secretion of the hormone melatonin, important in the regulation of circadian rhythms. [1]
Under these conditions, the human pineal gland is classified as type A. [40] A type A pineal gland rests proximally to the posterior section of the diencephalon. It is located within 1-2mm of the midline of the brain. [40] The pineal gland starts to develop during the second month of gestation.