The pineal gland I

What are the functions of the pineal gland and how does it have an effect our daily life?

Chris Cunnings
Composition 1
Ms. Epperson
May 15, 2014
The pineal glandII

Abstract
“SEAT OF THE RATIONAL SOUL was the function assigned to the human pineal (H) by
Ren6 Descartes in his mechanistic theory of perception. According to Descartes, the eyes perceived the events of the real world and transmitted what they saw to the pineal by way of "strings" in the brain. The pineal responded by allowing animal humors to pass down hollow tubes to the muscles, where they produced the appropriate responses. The size of the pineal has been exaggerated in this wood engraving, which first appeared in 1677.”(Richard J. Wurtman and Julius Axelrod) in stating this, one can’t not help but begin wonder how significant the pineal gland is to our existences.

The pineal gland 1
What are the Functions of the Pineal Gland and How Does it Have an Effect on our Daily Life?
A review of the literature
What is the pineal gland? The pineal gland is a coned shaped endocrine gland in the vertebrate brain. It is placed in the center of the two halves of your brain in a groove where the two halves of the thalamus join. The full functions of this gland however have been debated on for quite some time now. Some who study this gland believe it could be a gate way to our true inner being as well as having significant part of our daily life. From the words of Richard j Wurtman and Julius Axelrod since the functions of the thymus gland has been proven through demonstrations, the pineal gland has become one of the last enigmas of the mammalian organs. But let us ask ours self some questions on this matter:
1.What are the functions of the pineal gland?
2.How does it have effect on our daily life?
Researchers have proven that the pineal gland releases melatonin, a derivative form of amino acid tryptophan. Melatonin is N-acetyl-5-methoxy-tryptamine and besides its function as synchronization of the biological clock, melatonin is also a very powerful antioxidant. The pineal gland is stimulated the absence of light and inhibited by light, the production of the hormone melatonin is only when reacting to darkness. “Photosensitive cells in the retina detect light and directly signal the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), entraining its rhythm to the 24-hour cycle in nature. Fibers project from the SCN to the periventricular nuclei (PVN), which relay the circadian signals to the spinal cord and out via the sympathetic system to superior cervical ganglia (SCG), and from there into the pineal gland”. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pineal_gland) The pineal gland is also responsible for the regulation of endocrine functions and conversion of nervous system signals to endocrine signals as well as influence sexual development.
Now that we know that the pineal gland produces the hormone melatonin, regulates the endocrine functions, converts nervous system signals to endocrine signals, causes feeling of Sleepiness (through production of melatonin) and Influences Sexual Development how does this gland have an impact on daily life? Let one start of by saying “what would happen if the pineal gland wasn’t operating properly and what causes this to happen?” The causes that lead to the deactivation of your pineal gland believe or not are mostly self-inflicted. For most it’s purely because the person has an unhealthy diet, eating mostly junk food, processed food, consuming tap water(fluoride, Calcium, phosphorus), eating food that contains MSG(Monosodium glutamate) or heavy metals(mercury, aluminum, etc.) and is unknowingly is poisoning there self. For others it is a lack of knowledge to the fact that a vast majority of prescription and vaccines (contain heavy metals as well as other toxins) that will attack this gland. Which causes the pineal gland to start to calcify, better stated by a unknown writer “Calcification is the buildup of calcium phosphate crystals in various parts of the body. It is a natural process caused primarily by Nano bacteria. Nano bacteria are tiny microorganisms that form calcium phosphate shells around themselves, essentially to protect themselves from your immune system. It is these shells that accumulate in our pineal glands and ultimately calcify it. Furthermore, it is becoming apparent that many researchers are finding that this may be the cause of most diseases, from arthritis to stroke, from cancer to back pain, as these calcium shells build up in various parts of our body.” Having stated this we know the calcification process, but the effect from a calcified pineal gland could include reduction of the hormone melatonin, irregular endocrine functions, inhibit conversions of nervous system signals to endocrine signals, would cause feeling of Sleeplessness (through reduction of melatonin) and accelerate physical/Sexual Development.
In the end the functions of a pineal gland are essential to obtain prosperous life. As long as one consumes beneficial ingredients, avoid prescriptions and vaccines and drinks strictly filter water (through reverse osmosis) the process of decalcifying the pineal gland will begin along with a rising sensation of well-being.

Annotated bibliography
Reference: http://biology.about.com/od/anatomy/p/pineal-gland.htm
This reference provides a short description of the pineal gland. It also informs the reader of the various hormones that are incorporate with the gland. As well as related topics to better understand the usage of the hormones as it relates to the pineal gland.
Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pineal_gland
The reference states multiple up to date sources making it more reputable information. It provides the compound names that are controlled by the pineal gland. The reference states how the pineal gland incorporated with society and culture, as well as, the function, development, calcification and drug metabolism.
Reference: http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/12/15/theres-an-organ-in-your-brain-which-seats-your-soul-meet-your-pineal-gland/
This gives some history about the pineal gland and a basic description of what the pineal gland is. The reference also gives references to famous art pieces that might be link to the pineal gland and possibly the hidden meaning of it. This also brings to light a new question, “why our bodies would create this third eye with light detecting cells if there was no light to be detected in there”. As well as stating the need of this gland in our life.
Reference: http://decalcifypinealgland.com/how-to-activate-the-pineal-gland/
This article explains a basic way to active a malfunctioning pineal. Gives brief descriptions on what will help with decalcifying of the gland using various technics. Including different teachings meditations, yogic visualization, yogic breathing and thoh chants. There is one reference to where the information was found making it a skeptical source. Reference: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK6233/
This book gives information on how the malfunction of the pineal gland might be linked to most tumors/cancers. It explains the process in which your body defends against foreign pathogens by utilizing the gland. The book also states what happens if the gland is not operating correctly what might happen in some tumors/cancer patients.
Reference: http://wurtmanlab.mit.edu/static/pdf/40.pdf
THE PINEAL GLAND by Richard J. Wurtman and Julius Axelrod gives information how recent studies indicate that it is a "biological clock" that regulates the activity of the sex glands. This also shows more of the solid state research that has been done the pineal gland. This also delves deeper into the anatomy of the gland and how it operates with the body as a whole. Since proven