The pineal gland is a part of the endocrine system that is responsible for creating melatonin, a hormone that plays a huge role in the body’s circadian rhythm. Testis (men only). Pinealectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the pineal gland when a pineal tumour, which could be benign or malignant, is detected. The pituitary gland is one of eight interrelated major endocrine glands: Pineal gland. The pineal gland—and many other vital glands and organs—aren’t functioning within their intended design. It is a part of the endocrine system and helps to regulate melatonin , which is a chemical produced in the brain that helps the body sleep at night. The functions of melatonin are as follows. These cysts are benign, which means not malignant or cancerous. Pineal gland definition, a small, cone-shaped endocrine organ in the posterior forebrain, secreting melatonin and involved in biorhythms and gonadal development. Pineal cysts are common, occurring in about 1-5% of the population. The pituitary is often referred to as the “master gland” because it not only secretes its own hormones, it tells other glands to produce hormones. Located near the center of the brain, the pineal gland is a very small organ shaped like a pine cone (which is where it gets its name). The pineal gland produces melatonin, which helps maintain circadian rhythm and regulate reproductive hormones. The pineal gland, also known as the pineal body, is a small pine cone shaped gland that lies deep inside the center of the brain in the epithalamus. Glands are divided into two main groups, endocrine and exocrine. Pituitary gland. Thymus. Both melatonin and its precursor called serotonin are synthesized in the pineal gland; Tryptamine (an alkaloid substance) is the precursor for both melatonin and serotonin. It’s reddish-gray and about 1/3 inch long. Anatomy of the Pineal Gland. Adrenal gland. When these nerves are activated by light, the pineal gland is repressed. Pancreas. Thyroid gland. Thankfully, we have the power to change that . pineal gland: [ gland ] an aggregation of cells specialized to secrete or excrete materials not related to their ordinary metabolic needs. Ovary (women only). Unlike much of the rest of the brain, this gland is not isolated from the body by the blood-brain barrier system. The word pineal is derived from the Latin word pinea (pine-cone) and first used in the 17th century to address the cone shape of the brain gland. The pineal gland is activated by neurons connected to your eyes. The pineal gland sits nearly in the center of your brain, and is responsible for hormones related to sleep-wake cycle. René Descartes believed the human pineal gland to be the “principal seat of the soul.” The pineal gland is a small, pea-shaped gland, that is located in the center of the brain, behind and above the pituitary gland. Today’s guide is the final segment in a 4-part series on the pineal gland. Definition and Overview. Hormones of the pineal gland - definition The Pineal gland produces only one hormone called the melatonin. The pineal gland (also called the pineal body, epiphysis cerebri, epiphysis, conarium or the "third eye") is a small endocrine gland in the vertebrate brain.It produces the serotonin derivative melatonin, a hormone that affects the modulation of wake/sleep patterns and seasonal functions. See more. adj., adj glan´dular. The pineal gland is a small gland located within the brain that serves as a great example of endocrine glands in general. A pea-shaped small gland in the brain, also known as the third eye, epiphysis cerebri, conarium, pineal organ, or pineal body.It is always a subject of much mythology and speculation.