The pineal gland is also known
as the "pineal body" and the "epiphysis".
It is an important endocrine
gland in the human body and is located deep between the cerebral
hemispheres at the back of the skull - see diagram below.
Endocrine glands differ from "exocrine" glands
in that exocrine glands have ducts (so may be referred to as "ducted")
whereas endocrine glands do not have ducts (and so may be referred to
as "ductless").
The pineal gland is a pea-sized mass of nerve tissue
that secrets the hormone melatonin.
For a diagram indicating the locations within the body of each of
the endocrine glands, visit:
Endocrine
Glands of the Human Body. This may be of particular interest
to students of courses in massage, reflexology,
beauty therapies, and other basic-level medical or clinical courses.
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