pineal gland

Question 1

what is the pineal gland?

Answer 1

Pineal gland (or pineal body) is a pea-sized structure located in the centre of the brain

Question 2

what does the pineal gland do?

Answer 2

secretes hormone melatonin

Question 3

what is melatonin?

Answer 3

‘the hormone of darkness’

Question 4

what causes the secretion of melatonin?

Answer 4

Eyes cue the pineal gland to secrete melatonin in response to darkness

Question 5

what is the route of the neural pathway that leads to the secretion of melatonin?

Answer 5

The neural pathway responsible for secretion of melatonin passes through suprachiasmatic nucleus and via spinal chord and sympathetic neurons to the pineal gland.

Question 6

what are the possible effects of melatonin (6)?

Answer 6

• Help keep body’s circadian rhythms in synchrony with light/dark cycle induces natural sleep
• Protects against damaging effects of free radicals
• Slows ageing process
• Enhances immunity
• Melatonin may control sexual activity.
• In some animals it control the seasonal fertility.

Question 7

true or false - melatonin is classed as a drug?

Answer 7

false - Melatonin is not considered a drug in USA and is available from health food stores

Question 8

what is melatonin used to treat?

Answer 8

In UK melatonin is prescription only medicine (POM) and has been licensed for the short-term treatment of primary insomnia characterised by poor quality of sleep in patients who are aged 55 or over

Question 9

what is melatonin used to treat in children?

Answer 9

used in children with sleep disorders related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, autism, other developmental disabilities or visual impairment.

Question 10

what are the 3 melatonin receptors?

Answer 10

MT1
MT2
MT3