Pineal Gland (Epiphysis) -
- It develops from the ectoderm.
- The pineal gland is located on the dorsal side of forebrain.
- Pineal secretes a hormone called melatonin.
- Melatonin plays a very important role in the regulation of a 24-hour (diurnal) rhythm of our body.
- For example, it helps in maintaining the normal rhythms of the sleep-wake cycle, body temperature.
- In addition, melatonin also influences metabolism, pigmentation, the menstrual cycle as well as our defence capability.
- It is functional gland in lower vertebrates but in man, it atrophies at the age of 7 years.
-Hence, the correct option is d. All of the above
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