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What gland produces and releases melatonin?

1) thyroid gland
2) hypothalamus
3) pineal gland
4) anterior pituitary gland

User Jamstooks
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The pineal gland is responsible for the production and release of melatonin, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle and is influenced by the light-dark cycle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The gland that produces and releases melatonin is the pineal gland. This tiny endocrine gland, situated near the center of the brain and posterior to the thalamus, regulates the sleep-wake cycle through the secretion of melatonin. The photoperiod highly influences the rate of melatonin production; it rises during the night when it is dark and diminishes during the day. This hormone is also an antioxidant that protects the central nervous system from free radicals and plays a role in biological rhythms such as circadian rhythms, influencing sleep patterns and eating habits.

User Letia
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