PINEAL GLAND: Functions, Diseases and Symptoms

As we well know, it is said that the brain is the great unknown since it has an endless number of functions and characteristics that even until now have not been able to finish studying. One of the parts of the brain that is interesting to know and investigate is the pineal gland, this gland that is also known as "the third eye" in a more spiritual context, it is located inside the brain of most species invertebrates. Descartes named this gland as the seat of the soul since it was considered by him as the source of power for our brain.

In this Psychology-Online article we will talk about the pineal gland: functions, diseases and their symptoms. We are going to let you know in detail everything about this brain gland.

Index

1. Pineal gland or epiphysis: functions
2. Pineal gland: diseases
3. Pineal gland-related disorders: symptoms

It is a fairly small gland, about the size of a grain of rice, which begins to appear and develop from week 7 of gestation to 2 years, however their weight increases until adolescence. The pineal gland is highly related to mental health and among its main functions is the production of melatonin.

The pineal gland is also called the regulator of cycles and it is in charge of carrying out different functions in the body. The main function of the pineal gland is to produce melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone responsible for regulating the sleep process and this is also produced by serotonin. Next, we will describe all the functions of this gland in greater detail:

• Regulate the circadian rhythmor the body. As mentioned above, as it is in charge of producing melatonin, it sends the signals that they do to the body that we feel tired or sleepy at certain times of the day as well as more active and in a state of alert.
• Regulates emotions. Helps prevent some depressive or sleep disorders from occurring. This gland also generates certain hormones such as endorphins that are responsible for increasing our happiness and emotional well-being in general.
• Bone metabolism. It is essential to increase bone mass and prevent diseases such as osteoporosis from occurring.
• Sexual maturation. It is very important when it comes to establishing when puberty will begin because it delays it so that the transition from being a child to becoming an adult is properly managed in the person. In short, it regulates the onset of ripening and sexual motivation of each individual.
• Pigmentation of the skin. The melatonin produced by this gland is related to the skin tone that many species have.
• Mental functions. This gland has been found to be related to concentration and memory, having an effect on the cognitive functions of people.

In the following article you will find How to activate the pineal gland.

When the pineal gland does not work correctly, certain diseases can appear in the affected person, among the main ones are the following:

• Mental disorders. The main mental disorders that can appear in this case would be sleep disorders when the person's circadian rhythm is altered. On the other hand, there are also depressive disorders by not releasing the brain enough endorphins which, as we have already seen, are the hormones in charge of psychological well-being and happiness.
• Osteoporosis. A poor functioning in the production of bone mass would lead to diseases such as seriously deteriorating the bones.
• Tumors or cysts in the pineal gland
• Deficit in cognitive functions

When we have a deficiency or problem related to the pineal gland, we can detect it if we pay attention to a series of symptoms that could be indicating it. Some of the symptoms that may indicate a deficiency in the pineal gland are the following:

• To experience sudden changes in rhythm circadian or sleep, which can be noticed when sleep problems appear, being very active and not being able to get enough rest, being tired all the time, etc.
• Sickness, headaches that can easily be mistaken for migraine headaches, tremor, and even vomiting.
• Osteoporosis
• Frequent changes in the menstrual cycle and ovulation in the women.
• Experience a emotional imbalance that generates discomfort and dissatisfaction.

This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Pineal gland: functions, diseases and their symptoms, we recommend that you enter our category of Neuropsychology.