Practicing Success
One of the following endocrine glands functions as a biological clock and neurosensory transducer. |
Adrenal gland. Thyroid gland. Pineal gland. Thymus gland. |
Pineal gland. |
The correct answer is Option (3) - Pineal gland. 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 sleep-wake cycle, body temperature. In addition, melatonin also influences metabolism, pigmentation, the menstrual cycle as well as our defense capability. |