Profile
Settings
Refer your friends
Sign out
The pineal gland, also known as the conarium, epiphysis cerebri, pineal organ, or pineal body, is a vertebrate endocrine gland that produces melatonin, a hormone derived from tryptophan that plays an important role in the regulation of circadian rhythms (the roughly 24-hour cycle of biological activities associated with natural periods of light and darkness).
The pineal gland has long been a mysterious structure. Even in the early twenty-first century, when sophisticated molecular techniques were available for biological research, fundamental features of the gland remained unknown, including the extent of the effects of its main hormone, melatonin.
Symptoms of disorder in Pineal gland
Pineal tumours form in the region of the pineal gland, a midline structure deep in the midbrain that is close to many vital structures. Pineal tumours account for about 1% of all brain tumours but account for 3% to 8% of intracranial tumours in children. Gliomas, germ cell tumours, and pineal cell tumours are the three most common types of pineal region tumours. This region may be home to at least 17 different types of tumours, many of which are benign.
Pineal tumours cause headaches, nausea and vomiting, seizures, memory problems, and visual changes. Pineal tumours can cause an increase in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure in the brain (called hydrocephalus). Intracranial pressure caused by a pineal tumour can reach life-threatening levels, necessitating immediate treatment.
Pineal tumours can also cause visual changes, such as an inability to focus on objects, double vision, and eye movement impairment.
What is the Pineal gland?
The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland located in the brain’s epithalamus. It has the shape of a small pinecone, measures about 5-8 millimetres in length, and weighs about 150 milligrammes. It grows until you’re about two years old, but its weight doesn’t increase until adolescence.
It is, interestingly, outside the blood-brain barrier, which is a semi-permeable barrier that separates circulating blood and extracellular fluid in the central nervous system. It also allows water, gases, and molecules to pass through and secretes melatonin, also known as the “sleep hormone,” so it plays an important role in the body’s internal clock.
Melatonin is a hormone that occurs naturally in humans, animals, fungi, plants, and bacteria. It is involved in a variety of cellular, neuroendocrine, and neurophysiological processes, including the regulation of the daily sleep cycle. Insomnia and depression can result from a lack of this substance.
What are the main functions of the Pineal gland?
The pineal gland reacts to changes in light by releasing different amounts of melatonin depending on how light or dark it is. For example, when it is dark, the pineal gland produces more melatonin, making us sleepy. The pineal gland is also associated with a variety of other functions:
- Boosts the immune system
- Promotes bone health
- Endocrine functions are regulated.
- Controls the circadian rhythm and the sleep cycle.
- Seasonal rhythms, stress, physical performance, and mood are all regulated.
- Affects sex hormones It aids in spatial navigation.
Complications with the Pineal gland
The primary issue with the pineal gland is that it may begin to accumulate calcium deposits. Phosphate crystals form and the gland hardens over time, resulting in decreased melatonin production. This is why, as you get older, your sleep cycle changes and you have more sleep disturbances.
Furthermore, pineal gland calcification has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, certain types of migraines, and changes in fertility, menstrual cycle, or ovulation.
The pineal gland is also closely associated with the hypothalamus, a small region of the brain that regulates body temperature and releases hormones. If there are issues with this part of the brain, it can lead to pineal gland dysfunction.
The most common symptom of pineal gland dysfunction is a disruption in circadian rhythms, which means you may sleep too much or too little, be restless at night, or fall asleep at unusual times.
Are there any treatments available for pineal gland issues?
To avoid calcification of the pineal gland, limit your vitamin D intake, as too much causes calcification. Reduce your intake of calcium supplements and fluoride by adding filters to your tap water and purchasing fluoride-free toothpaste.
In the case of tumours, surgical intervention may be required, but the gland in this area of the brain is extremely difficult to extract. It is possible that radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy will be offered.
Conclusion
The pineal gland, also known as the conarium, epiphysis cerebri, pineal organ, or pineal body, is a vertebrate endocrine gland that produces melatonin, a hormone derived from tryptophan that plays an important role in the regulation of circadian rhythms. The pineal gland is involved in a variety of cellular, neuroendocrine, and neurophysiological processes, including the regulation of the daily sleep cycle. The pineal gland reacts to changes in light by releasing different amounts of melatonin depending on how light or dark it is.
