The pineal gland, also known as the pineal body, conarium or epiphysis cerebri, is a small endocrine gland in the vertebrate brain. source
The pineal gland, also known as the pineal body, conarium or epiphysis cerebri, is a small endocrine gland in the vertebrate brain.
The shape of the gland resembles a pine cone, hence its name. source
The shape of the gland resembles a pine cone, hence its name.
The pineal gland is located in the epithalamus, near the center of the brain. source
The pineal gland is located in the epithalamus, near the center of the brain.
The pineal gland produces melatonin, a serotonin derived hormone which modulates sleep patterns in both circadian and seasonal cycles. source
The pineal gland produces melatonin, a serotonin derived hormone which modulates sleep patterns in both circadian and seasonal cycles.
Nearly all vertebrate species possess a pineal gland. source
Nearly all vertebrate species possess a pineal gland.
Even in the hagfish, however, there may be a "pineal equivalent" structure in the dorsal diencephalon. source
Even in the hagfish, however, there may be a "pineal equivalent" structure in the dorsal diencephalon.
The lancelet Branchiostoma lanceolatum, the nearest existing relative to vertebrates, also lacks a recognizable pineal gland. source
The lancelet Branchiostoma lanceolatum, the nearest existing relative to vertebrates, also lacks a recognizable pineal gland.
A few more developed vertebrates lost pineal glands over the course of their evolution. source
A few more developed vertebrates lost pineal glands over the course of their evolution.
Have explained the phylogeny of the pineal gland in different vertebrate species. source
Have explained the phylogeny of the pineal gland in different vertebrate species.
From the point of view of biological evolution, the pineal gland represents a kind of atrophied photoreceptor. source
From the point of view of biological evolution, the pineal gland represents a kind of atrophied photoreceptor.
The pineal gland continues to have an exalted status in the realm of pseudoscience. source
The pineal gland continues to have an exalted status in the realm of pseudoscience.
The pineal gland is the only midline brain structure that is unpaired (azygous). source
The pineal gland is the only midline brain structure that is unpaired (azygous).
The pineal gland receives a sympathetic innervation from the superior cervical ganglion. source
The pineal gland receives a sympathetic innervation from the superior cervical ganglion.
Calcification of the pineal gland is typical in young adults, and has been observed in children as young as two years of age. source
Calcification of the pineal gland is typical in young adults, and has been observed in children as young as two years of age.
Most living vertebrates have pineal glands. source
Most living vertebrates have pineal glands.
The pineal gland as a neuroanatomical structure without special metaphysical qualities; science studied it as one endocrine gland among many. source
The pineal gland as a neuroanatomical structure without special metaphysical qualities; science studied it as one endocrine gland among many.