PINEAL GLAND & THYMUS GLAND

PINEAL GLAND

Small body attached to the roof of the 3rd ventricle of the brain

Containing nerves that connect to the hypothalamus

10mm long, reddish and surrounded by capsule

Becomes atrophy after puberty and calcified later in life

Secrete the hormone melatonin

Function of Melatonin

Coordinating circadian rhythm. As a timing signal to coordinate events

the light-dark cycle in the environment. It increasing secretion of GnRH and sex

hormones. Inhibits growth and development of sex

organs before puberty.

THYMUS GLAND specialized organ of the

immune system locate at upper part of

the chest, behind the breastbone, and is made up of two lobes that join in front of the trachea.

Secretes hormone called thymosin

thymus produces and "educates" T-lymphocytes (T cells)

Function of Thymosin

Its function is to transform lymphocytes (white blood cells developed in the bone marrow) into T-cells (cells developed in the thymus).

These cells are then transported to various lymph glands, where they play an important part in fighting infections and disease.