It is not clear whether these changes in puberty are caused by melatonin or some other hormone, such as human chorionic gonadotrophin , which is reported to be released by some pineal tumours. Otherwise, there are no known diseases associated with over or underactivity of the pineal gland. About Contact Events News.
Search Search. You and Your Hormones. Students Teachers Patients Browse. Human body. Home Glands Pineal gland. Pineal gland The pineal gland is situated in the middle of the human brain and is the major site of the body's melatonin production.
Alternative names for the pineal gland Pineal body; epiphysis cerebri; epiphysis Computer artwork of a sectioned human brain in side view, showing the pineal gland highlighted. Parathyroid glands. The suprarenal glands are…. The jejunum is one of three sections that make up the small intestine. Learn about its function and anatomy, as well as the conditions that can affect…. The vagus nerve is the longest of the 12 cranial nerves.
Here, learn about its anatomy, functions, and the kinds of health problems that can occur. The fimbriae of the uterine tube, also known as fimbriae tubae, are small, fingerlike projections at the end of the fallopian tubes, through which…. The bladder, like the stomach, is an expandable saclike organ that contracts when it is empty. The inner lining of the bladder tucks into the folds….
Combined with the cardiovascular system, the circulatory system helps to fight off disease, helps the body maintain a normal body temperature, and…. The brain is one of your most important organs. Research on mice suggests that changes in the function of the pineal gland might affect bone metabolism. Postmenopausal women are significantly more vulnerable to osteoporosis than other groups. Pineal gland function tends to decline with age.
The study concluded that oral melatonin supplements might help increase bone mass, which could be used in the future to protect against postmenopausal osteoporosis. Sleep and mental health are inextricably linked. Sleep deprivation can cause or worsen some mental health conditions.
Some mental health disorders may also make it more difficult to sleep. Some mental health conditions have been linked to access to light. This may be due to changes in melatonin secretion. A review , however, found no evidence that melatonin had any effect on mood disorders.
The pituitary gland is a gland that protrudes from a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is linked to a wide range of hormonal functions, including growth and thyroid function. Older research suggests that the pineal gland can alter the behavior of the pituitary gland. Melatonin may block the pituitary gland from secreting hormones that play essential roles in the development of the ovaries and testes and regulate functions such as the menstrual cycle.
Some drugs, including both recreational and prescription drugs, appear to alter the function of the pineal gland and change melatonin secretion patterns. One study concluded that the pineal gland could play a significant role in addiction to cocaine and other psychostimulants. As people age, the pineal gland tends to secrete less melatonin. It is unlikely that melatonin is the sole culprit for age-related changes, but reduced levels of melatonin may help explain the aging process.
Older adults tend to sleep less and may have trouble falling asleep. Changes in melatonin might explain this phenomenon. An older study of people with impaired pineal glands found that damage to this gland is associated with declines in the sense of direction.
The pineal gland may accumulate calcium deposits.
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