AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -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. It’s a part of your endocrine system and secretes the hormone melatonin.

Detailed explanation-2: -Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the enigmatic pineal gland in response to darkness, hence the name hormone of darkness.

Detailed explanation-3: -Darkness prompts the pineal gland to start producing melatonin while light causes that production to stop. As a result, melatonin helps regulate the circadian rhythm and synchronize the sleep-wake cycle with night and day. In doing so, it facilitates a transition to sleep.

Detailed explanation-4: -Alternative names for melatonin Melatonin is produced by various tissues in the body, although the major source is the pineal gland in the brain. Melatonin (blue) is produced naturally from the amino acid tryptophan, by the pineal gland (purple) at night-time.

Detailed explanation-5: -The pineal gland produces several hormones. One of these, melatonin, helps regulate the body’s internal clock, including the sleep-wake cycle. The pineal gland may also help regulate female hormone levels and contribute to cardiovascular health and mood stability.