Melatonin brain function. Artwork showing how the hormone melatonin (blue spheres) is secreted in the brain and helps to control the body's biological

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Melatonin brain function. Artwork showing how the hormone melatonin (blue spheres) is secreted in the brain and helps to control the body's biological clock. The human brain is shown here in a woman's head. Melatonin is produced naturally by the pineal gland (purple). Secreted at night, melatonin helps induce sleep and set the biological rhythm of the body. This dependence on light is shown by light entering the eyes (left), and by the arrow (centre) showing the melatonin secretion signal sent by the optic nerve to the pineal gland once darkness has fallen.

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Size: 4123px × 4252px
Photo credit: © HENNING DALHOFF/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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