MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -The main function of the pineal gland is to receive and convey information about the current light-dark cycle from the environment via the production and secretion of melatonin cyclically at night (dark period) (6, 7).

Detailed explanation-2: -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-3: -Since reduction in the amount of REM sleep is associated with cerebral maturation and since the pineal gland has been implicated both in cerebral development and in the organization of REM sleep, the pineal gland may be involved in the maturation of the adult REM sleep pattern.

Detailed explanation-4: -When it gets dark out, your pineal gland releases melatonin into your body. This may make you start to feel sleepy. This is because melatonin plays a role in regulating your sleep patterns (circadian rhythms). At night, the influx of melatonin can help you feel tired, which helps you fall asleep.

Detailed explanation-5: -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.