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AKA Epiphysis
Dark-light cycles and indirectly detects photoperiod
Light→ Retina→ SCN (suprachiasmatic nucleus)→ Pineal Gland
Pinealocytes manufacture serotonin and transferase (enzyme) that converts it into melatonin
Melatonin
Melatonin
Produced by pinealocytes (💡: "pineal" = pineal gland; "cycte" = cell)
Tryptophan→ Serotonin→ Melatonin (Amine)
Production inhibited by light
Melatonin levels peak during darkness (diurnal rhythm)
Antioxidant
Sleep-wake cycle, body temperature
Regulates reproduction
Onset of puberty is associated with fall in production of melatonin
Seasonal breeding
Test Yourself:
Test Yourself:
Q: What hormone and enzyme produced by the pineal gland are precursors to melatonin?
Q: What hormone and enzyme produced by the pineal gland are precursors to melatonin?
A: Serotonin (hormone) and Transferase (enzyme)
Q: What type of cell is melatonin produced by?
Q: What type of cell is melatonin produced by?
A: Pinealocytes
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