Pineal gland, melatonin
Epiphysis as well as pinealocytes (in the circle), transformed melatonin-producing nerve cells. The pineal gland is an endocrine gland that light-dependently secretes melatonin. As part of the epithalamus, it is located at the back wall of the third cerebral ventricle above the quadrigeminal bodies. It is coated by a fibrous capsule. The neuroendocrine cells of the pineal glands, the pinealocytes, are segmented into lobules by fibrous septa. The picture shows enclosed calcifications, so-called acervulus.
