Melatonin Flashcards
1
Q
What is melatonin?
A
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland within the brain in response to changes in light
2
Q
What inhibits melatonin secretion?
A
Light exposure to the retina is relayed via the suprachiasmatic nucleus (in the hypothalamus)
3
Q
What are the causes of jet lag?
A
caused by the body’s inability to rapidly adjust to a new time zone following extended air travel
The pineal gland continues to secrete melatonin according to the old time zone
