Pineal

Pineal Gland

The Pineal Gland (pronounced: /ˈpiːnɪəl/ or /ˈpaɪnɪəl/), also known as the pineal body, conarium or epiphysis cerebri, is a small endocrine gland in the vertebrate brain. The name is derived from the shape of the gland, which resembles a pine cone (from Latin pinea, which means "pine cone").

Function

The Pineal Gland produces and regulates some hormones, including melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that modulates sleep patterns in both circadian and seasonal cycles.

Anatomy

The Pineal Gland is a small, pinecone-shaped gland of the endocrine system. It is located in the epithalamus, near the center of the brain, between the two hemispheres, tucked in a groove where the two halves of the thalamus join.

History

The Pineal Gland has been a subject of interest and debate for more than two millennia. The philosopher Rene Descartes (1596–1650) dedicated much time to the study of the pineal gland, which he believed to be the principal seat of the soul.

Related Terms

• Melatonin
• Endocrine System
• Epithalamus
• Rene Descartes

See Also

• Pinealocyte
• Pineal Gland Cysts
• Pineal Gland Tumors

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Pineal
• Wikipedia's article - Pineal

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