AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -It’s a part of your endocrine system and secretes the hormone melatonin. Your pineal gland’s main job is to help control the circadian cycle of sleep and wakefulness by secreting melatonin.

Detailed explanation-2: -Melatonin is the only known hormone synthesized by the pineal gland and is released in response to darkness hence the name, “hormone of darkness” [10]. Melatonin provides a circadian and seasonal signal to the organisms in vertebrates.

Detailed explanation-3: -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-4: -Functions Of Pineal Gland This gland secretes the hormone melatonin which regulates the circadian rhythm of the body and also certain reproductive hormones. The secretion of this hormone depends upon the amount of light a person is exposed to. This hormone is produced in large amounts when it is dark.

Detailed explanation-5: -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.