melatonin

(noun)

a hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland; it stimulates color change in the skin of reptiles and is involved in the sleep/wake and reproductive cycles in mammals

Related Terms

Examples of melatonin in the following topics:

  • Pineal Gland and Gonads

    • The main hormone produced and secreted by the pineal gland is melatonin.
    • The rate of melatonin production is affected by the photoperiod.
    • During the day photoperiod, little melatonin is produced; however, melatonin production increases during the dark photoperiod (night).
    • The pineal gland, found in the brain, produces the hormone melatonin.
    • Describe the effects of melatonin and gonad produced hormones in the body

  • Lipid-Derived, Amino Acid-Derived, and Peptide Hormones

    • The pineal gland in the brain makes and secretes melatonin, which regulates sleep cycles.
    • (b) The hormone melatonin, which regulates circadian rhythms, is derived from the amino acid tryptophan.