Your pineal gland releases the highest levels of melatonin when there’s darkness and decreases melatonin production when you’re exposed to light. These natural processes respond primarily to light and dark. The importance of pineal melatonin in humans is not clear, but many researchers believe it may help to synchronize circadian rhythms in different parts of your body.Ĭircadian rhythms are physical, mental and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. Melatonin is a hormone that’s mainly produced by your pineal gland. The following organs and glands make up your endocrine system: These signals tell your body what to do and when to do it. Hormones are chemicals that coordinate different functions in your body by carrying messages through your blood to your organs, skin, muscles and other tissues.
Endocrine glands release hormones directly into your bloodstream. Your endocrine system is a network of several glands that create and secrete (release) hormones.Ī gland is an organ that makes one or more substances, like hormones, digestive juices, sweat or tears. The pineal gland is the least understood gland of the endocrine system, and it was the last part of the endocrine system to be discovered. The pineal gland is shaped like a tiny pinecone, which is how it got its name (“pine”-al gland). Your pineal gland’s main job is to help control the circadian cycle of sleep and wakefulness by secreting melatonin. It’s a part of your endocrine system and secretes the hormone melatonin. Your pineal gland, also called the pineal body or epiphysis cerebri, is a tiny gland in your brain that’s located beneath the back part of the corpus callosum. Your pineal gland is a tiny endocrine gland in your brain that releases the hormone melatonin.
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