Pineal Gland
By Kacie Andrews & Cheyanne Schreiner
Period 7B
Where is it located?
The Pineal Gland is
located within
diencephalon, near
the epithalamus.
Right beneath the
section of the brain
that relays sensory
information to
different sections
of the brain.
What hormones does it produce?
The main hormone
the Pineal gland
produces is the
hormone melatonin.
What effect do these hormones have
on the body?
Melatonin helps regulate
your internal clock. It
affects your sleep-wake
cycles.It been known to
affect reporductive
function and a persons
biological clock.
This hormone is also the
cause of jet lag.
Why are they important in
maintaining homeostasis?
Homeostasis is a stable internal environment in the
body.Hormones are secreted through the
Endocrine system. If this system is disrupted, the
endocrine system secretes it hormones to reach a
state of homeostasis(normal state). After our body
reaches this point, the endocrine system stops
secreting these hormones. Which helps maintain
Homeostasis.
Feedback Mechanisms
The source of the
human body’s
circadian rhythms lies
in the
suprachiasmatic
nuclei (SCNs).
In day SCN greatly
decreases the
production of
melatonin created by
the Pineal Gland. And
increases at night.
Releasing Hormones
The glands that
secrete the
hormones are
ductless. This
means that the
hormones are
released directly
into the
bloodstream. And
travel elsewhere
into the body.
What if the gland stopped working?
If the Pineal Gland
stopped working, it would
stop melatonin
production, causing your
weight to fluctuate. This
is a problem for those
who are [diabetic]. If the
there is too much
melatonin production, it
can cause conditions such
as insomnia.
Pineal Gland tumor
Symptoms: mainly
caused by a blockage of
cerebrospinal fluid
flow, problems with eye
movement pathways,
Headache, nausea,
vomiting, and double
vision are all common.
Pineal Gland tumors can
often be dangerous.But
it rarely spreads
elsewhere in the body.
And 10% to 20% of
tumors, mainly
pineoblastoma, have
potential to spread
through the cerebral
fluid.
Can it be medically corrected?
There is currently only
medication to aid
against sleep loss.
If there is a chance
you have any form of
a Pineal tumor.
There is radiation
therapy & surgery to
help.
Yeah so thats pretty
much it…
Sources...
You and your hormones
http://www.yourhormones.info/glands/pineal_gland.aspx
The Endocrine System
http://www.faqs.org/health/Body-by-Design-V1/The-Endocrine-System-Workings-how-the-endocrine-system-functions.html
Endocrine System 2
http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio105/endocrin.htm
Diabetes
http://www.diabetes-info.co.uk/what-is-diabetes/in-depth-diabetes-information-about-diabetes.html
The Brain & SCNs
http://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/a/a_11/a_11_cr/a_11_cr_hor/a_11_cr_hor.html
Pineal Gland Tumors
http://www.abta.org/brain-tumor-information/types-of-tumors/pineal.html