![]() (The production of melatonin in the retina is influenced by the concentration of light in the environment and is even informed by receptors located in the skin and gastrointestinal tract.) In addition to the reception and processing of light, the pineal gland has another function in common with the eye in that melatonin is also synthesized by the retina invertebrates. It also functions in the reception of light (one of the reasons it was regarded as the third eye). The nerves that supply information to the pineal gland are highly sensitive to the hormone epinephrine – giving them their name, adrenergic nerves. It is a type of endocrine gland that is known by many names apart from the third eye: the conarium, epiphysis cerebri, pineal organ, and pineal body. The pineal gland is located in the center of the brain, and shaped like a pine cone – where it gets its name (in Latin, pinea means “of the pine” or “covered in pines”). What is known currently, though, is that it plays a large role in the production and distribution of melatonin. Why? Because the pineal gland was once known as the “third eye.” The philosopher Descartes called it the “principal seat of the soul and the place in which all our thoughts are formed.” Nobody agreed with him, but still.Īlong with the habenular nuclei, there is still much to learn about the pineal gland. It’s been found that the habenular nuclei are highly active in processing punishment and negative experiences, and has been found to play a role in disorders such as major depressive disorder. Interestingly enough, it has been found that the inhibition of dopamine production actually entails more activity from the habenular nuclei, suggesting that this structure is involved in passing on information about a lack of rewards. On the other hand, when the reward is smaller than the expectation dopamine production is not just lesser, but actually inhibited. When the production of dopamine is hyperactive this can result in a type of obsessive-compulsive behavior wherein you are too enthralled in reward-seeking behavior.) (However, this process does have a negative side. So, if there is an unexpected reward waiting for you in the safe zone, such as a new weapon, there will be even more dopamine produced, enabling you to recall the strategy you used to get around the horde. This enhances your cognitive ability to store that information for future use.ĭopamine is produced in amounts proportional to the expectation of the size and/or intensity of the reward. With each try, the habenular nuclei are receiving sensory and cognitive inputs that influence them to produce dopamine.Īs you progress in getting closer and closer to a safe zone, or even with the more zombies you shiv quietly, the dopamine levels increase. ![]() When you are facing a horde of zombies and have to approach the situation stealthily (if you go in guns blazing your character will die), it may take a few tries to figure out the best strategy. ![]() For example, let’s say you are playing a video game: When you are rewarded for learning a skill or concept, dopamine is produced in proportion to the level of satisfaction you may feel. The control and flow of dopamine is a major component in the learning process, specifically for skills and concepts that can be enhanced by a reward system. Signals are also sent to the raphe nuclei, a collection of nuclei in the brainstem, to produce serotonin. ![]() Based on these transmissions, the habenular nuclei send signals out to the specific targets in the midbrain (particularly the substantia nigra and tegmentum) to control the release of dopamine. The entire complex receives neural signals from the limbic system and basal ganglia. Referred to as the habenular complex and are divided into two main regionsĬalled the medial habenulae (MHb) and lateral habenulae (LHb). Together, the habenular nuclei can also be The habenular nuclei are situated in a pair next to the third ventricle (remember that the third ventricle is a part of the ventricular system that is responsible for creating cerebrospinal fluid and distributing it throughout the body). The SM sends neuronal transmissions to the habenulae from the forebrain, and the FR is primarily made of efferent nerves that send transmissions from the habenulae toward the midbrain and the hindbrain. The DDC is present in all vertebrates and works alongside two more fiber tracts, the stria medullaris (SM) and the fasciculus retroflexus (FR). The habenular nuclei, which can also be referred to as the habenulae, form a part of the dorsal diencephalic conduction (DDC) pathway.
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