Question

How could the pineal gland, the brain structure that plays a role in annual cycles, use visual information from the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus?

Short answer

c

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Introduction

The pineal gland's primary job is to gather information from the environment about the condition of the light-dark cycle and transmit it so that the hormone melatonin can be produced and secreted. The internal circadian clock's phase is frequently determined by the rhythmic generation of melatonin, which is only released throughout the night.

Step 2. Detailed explanation

In humans, the pineal gland is a tiny, heavily vascularized, secretory neuroendocrine organ. It is situated in the middle of the brain, outside of the blood-brain barrier, and has a small stalk that connects it to the third ventricle's roof. The pineal gland in humans typically exhibits some degree of calcification with aging, serving as a useful imaging marker.