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Published byCharlene Lawrence Modified over 9 years ago
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Pineal Gland Ripple Ireland
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Where is it located? Between two hemispheres of brain Tucked into groove where two rounded thalamic bodies join Dorsal aspects of brain’s diencephalon region Part of both nervous system and endocrine system
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What hormones does it produce? Melatonin derived from tryptophan, regulates circadian rhythm (sleep cycle) and body temperature
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What effect does the hormone have? Regulation of sleep patterns and seasonal functions (i.e. hibernation) Influences sexual development, hibernation, and seasonal breeding Helps protect body from cell damage caused by free radicals Jet lag
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Why is this hormone important to homeostasis? Homeostatic sleep schedule thermoregulation
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Feedback Mechanisms and Antagonistic Hormones Source of circadian rhythms (sleep patterns) lies in suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCNs) Day: SCN decreases melatonin production Night: SCN increases melatonin production
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What releases/inhibits melatonin production? Inhibited when retina detects light Stimulated when in darkness
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What happens if the gland does not function properly? Too much Drowsiness/insomnia Reduced core body temperature Not enough/not at all Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – depression in winter More inflammation Weakened immune system Increased risk of cancer
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What can be done? Supplements are available Doses of melatonin can be used to treat depression, insomnia, and jet lag.
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Sources http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pineal_gland http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pineal_gland http://www.crystalinks.com/thirdeyepineal.html http://www.crystalinks.com/thirdeyepineal.html
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