Pineal gland definition?

pineal gland, also called conarium, epiphysis cerebri, pineal organ, or pineal body, endocrine gland found in vertebrates that is the source of melatonin, a hormone derived from tryptophan that plays a central role in the regulation of circadian rhythm (the roughly 24-hour cycle of biological activities associated with ...

1. What does the pineal gland do?
2. What is the pineal gland simple definition?
3. What is the human pineal gland?

What does the pineal gland do?

The main function of the pineal gland is to receive and convey information about the current light-dark cycle from the environment and, consequently produce and secrete melatonin cyclically at night (dark period).

What is the pineal gland simple definition?

Definition of pineal gland

: a small, typically cone-shaped structure of the brain that arises from the roof of the third ventricle, is enclosed by the pia mater, and functions primarily as an endocrine gland secreting melatonin.

What is the human 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.