The small, pear-shaped gland known as the pineal gland is located in the brain. It was once referred to as the “third eye” due to its location, deep in the center of the brain, says Medical News Today. Back then, French philosopher Rene Descartes thought it contained a persons soul. While we now know that not to be true, it’s true function remains a mystery to researchers. However, they do know that it produces and regulates hormones, such as melatonin.
To learn more about this mysterious organ, follow along as we dive into what the pineal gland is, particularly the role it plays in the human body.
What is the Pineal Gland?
According to Medical News Today, the pineal gland can be found in the middle of the brain and is comprised of two distinct hemispheres, which are connected by fibers. It “contains mainly pinealocytes, which are cells that produce the hormone melatonin; and glial cells, which are a particular type of brain cells that support neurons (the cells that transmit information to other cells),” writes the source.