Question

describe Rene Descartes’ proposed function for the pineal gland, as well as the larger philosophical problem that this function solved for Descartes. Next, describe the physiological function of the pineal gland, as we understand it today, in humans and in seasonally mating animals.

Answer 1

The pineal gland is a pea shaped gland situated in the brain. The hormones that this pineal gland releases is melatonin. This is a pigment forming hormone and also is a hormone that controls the circadian rhythms of animals i.e. the sleep-wake cycles in humans and also mating signals for seasonally mating animals. The physiological functions of this gland are:

1. The melatonin formed by this gland is involved in the sleep-wake cycle of humans and other animals.

2. It also has an important role in the reproduction of animals. As the sleep-wake cycle is triggered by the light effect, the reproduction is effected by the seasonal changes which induces the melatonin to induce the secretion of sexual hormones which help the animals to mate in that particular season only.

3. It also plays an important role in the energy metabolism and glucose homeostasis

4. it also plays an important role in the cardiac processes and also during some pathogenic conditions.

For further reading of each of these points you can refer to this article: Aulinas A. Physiology of the Pineal Gland and Melatonin. [Updated 2019 Dec 10]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK550972/

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