Table of contents:
- What is the pineal gland?
- What is its function?
- Pathologies associated with the pineal gland
- Treatment
- Medical specialist
What is the pineal gland?
The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland located in the brain, specifically in the epithalamus (between the two hemispheres). It is reddish-gray in color and shaped like a small pine cone. Its size is 5-8 millimeters and weighs about 150 milligrams. It grows until the second year of life, although its weight increases until adolescence.
Interestingly, it lies outside the blood-brain barrier, a permeability barrier that separates circulating blood from extracellular fluid in the central nervous system. It allows the passage of water, gases and molecules.
It is composed mainly of pinealocytes (whose function is to secrete melatonin), but 4 other cells have been identified in it.
Melatonin is a hormone found in humans, animals, fungi, plants and bacteria. It is involved in various cellular, neuroendocrine and neurophysiological processes, such as controlling the daily sleep cycle (deficits of this substance can lead to insomnia and depression).
The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland located in the brain.
Function of the pineal gland
The functions of the pineal gland are the last to be discovered of all the endocrine organs. It responds to the variations in light that occur around us, activating itself in the absence of light to secrete melatonin (also serotonin, noradrenalin, histamine, and some others). Different functions can be highlighted:
- It secretes melatonin, produces DMT and is a reservoir of serotonin.
- Strengthens the immune system
- Regulates endocrine functions
- Regulates circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycles
- Regulates seasonal rhythms, stress, physical performance and mood
- Influences sex hormones
Pathologies that the pineal gland may suffer from
The main problem of the pineal gland is calcification, as it tends to accumulate fluoride. Over the years, phosphate crystals form and the gland hardens, which leads to a reduced production of melatonin. This is the reason why sleep cycles are altered in old age.
In addition to affecting night cycles, pineal gland calcification is also related to Alzheimer’s disease, some migraines and early sexual development.
On the other hand, it is possible that the pineal gland may suffer from tumors, known as pinealomas, which can cause pathologies such as Parinaud’s syndrome, hydrocephalus, cognitive and visual alterations, etc.
Treatments for pineal gland pathologies
To avoid calcification of the pineal gland, it is important to control vitamin D levels. As for tumors, they are very difficult to remove in this area.
Specialist treating pineal gland pathologies
The specialist who treats pineal gland pathologies is the endocrinologist.