Pineal Gland

Question 1

Pineal gland is attached to

Answer 1

Midbrain

Question 2

What does pineal gland secretes and function?

Answer 2

Melatonin. Decreases the pigmentation of the skin

Question 3

Possible cause of disfunction of pineal gland

Answer 3

Accidental and developmental conditions (pineal tumors, craniopharyngiomas, and injuries to the gland)

Question 4

Melatonin is also called

Answer 4

N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine

Question 5

The secretions of pineal gland is controlled by

Answer 5

Nerve stimuli

Question 6

Melatonin is secreted only during

Answer 6

Dark period of the day. Night

Question 7

Melatonin is a marker of

Answer 7

Phase internal circadian clock (regulate the circadian system and sleep pattern)

Question 8

Plasma melatonin in adults

Answer 8

60-70 pg/mL when measured with high specificity assay

Question 9

Concentration of melatonin in saliva

Answer 9

3x lower than in plasma

Question 10

It is a good marker of melatonin secretion in urine

Answer 10

6-sulfatoxylmelatonin

Question 11

Method of choice for melatonin

Answer 11

Immunoassay

Question 12

Health benefits from melatonin

Answer 12

Anti-oxidat and anti-aging properties
Potent free radical scavengers
More effective than glutathione in reducing oxidative stress

Question 13

Factors that influence melatonin plasma level

Answer 13

False increased: posture (night), exercise, caffeine
False decreased: alcohol, and aspirin