The pineal gland is located in the epithalamus, near the center of the brain, between the two hemispheres.
Pinealocytes: the cells of Pineal gland secrete a hormone called “Melatonin”.
Melatonin is responsible for induction of sleep and wakefulness.
Secretion of melatonin is dependent on light.
Day light causes decreased blood levels of melatonin and induces wakefulness.
As light starts to fall after evening, blood levels of Melatonin start rising, inducing sleep.
It helps in maintaining circadian rhythms of the body.
It promotes growth and also possesses antioxidant action.
Its supplements are used to treat jet lags.