Translations:Zirbeldrüse (Epiphyse)/1/en

The pineal gland (epiphysis) is a small endocrine gland in the thalamus (a part of the diencephalon). The hormone melatonin is produced in the pineal gland. It is the central regulatory organ for the synchronization of the 24-hour rhythm. The production of melatonin takes place mainly at night. Melatonin controls the sleep-wake rhythm and other time-dependent rhythms of the body. In the case of dysfunction it causes - apart from a disturbed daily rhythm - either sexual precociousness or delay or inhibition of the development of sex.