Chemical Coordination and Regulation Question 3
3. Artificial light, extended work-time and reduced sleep-time disrupt the activity of -
[2019, Odisha]
(a) Posterior pituitary gland
(b) Thymus gland
(c) Pineal gland
(d) Adrenal gland
Show Answer
Answer : c
Hints & Solutions
(c) Artificial light, extended work time and reduced sleep-time disrupt the activity of pineal gland. Melatonin hormone of pineal gland plays a very important role in the regulation of a 24-hours (diurnal) rhythm of our body. Melatonin helps in maintaining the normal rhythms of sleep-wake cycle and body temperature. The pineal gland is a small, pea-shaped gland in the brain. Its function isn’t fully understood. Researchers do know that it produces and regulates some hormones, including melatonin. Melatonin is best known for the role it plays in regulating sleep patterns. Sleep patterns are also called circadian rhythms. It’s considered a somewhat mysterious organ, as its function was discovered last of the endocrine glands. The pineal gland was once dubbed the “third eye,” which originated for many reasons, ranging from its location deep in the center of the brain to its connection to light.
