pineal gland: Quick Facts

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Also Known As	pineal body • pineal organ • conarium • epiphysis cerebri

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Diagram of the human brain highlighting the pineal gland within the endocrine system, with labeled structures including the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, optic chiasm, pituitary gland, and third ventricle.

Labeled anatomical diagram of the human brain in sagittal section, medial view, showing internal structures such as the corpus callosum, cerebellum, ventricles, brainstem, and other key regions.

Major glands of the human endocrine system. The hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland and influences food intake, weight regulation, fluid intake and balance, thirst, body heat, and the sleep cycle. Pituitary hormones stimulate growth, egg and sperm development, milk secretion, and release of hormones by other glands. The pineal gland may play a significant role in sexual maturation and the circadian rhythm. Thyroid hormones regulate the metabolic rate of tissues, stimulate the contraction of heart muscle, and are necessary for normal growth and brain development before birth and during infancy. Parathyroid hormone regulates calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels. The adrenal glands regulate salt and water retention, some reactions of the immune system, and blood pressure. The islets of Langerhans regulate blood sugar levels. The ovaries and testes produce hormones that regulate the reproductive system and that produce male and female secondary sex characteristics.

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Melatonin pineal tumour gland ovary thyroid gland adrenal gland pancreas pituitary gland hypothalamus testis thymus parathyroid gland kidney

Muscles of facial expression, human anatomy, (Netter replacement project - SSC). Human face, human head.

Characteristics of the Human Body

Male muscle, man flexing arm, bicep curl.

Facts You Should Know: The Human Body Quiz