Random Science Fact – Smallest Organ in Human Body
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This is a new series I am creating to help spur readers who are interested in science as it is one of my favorite subjects and hobbies. I always wondered what was the smallest organ in the human body, and after doing some research I finally received the answer to this question.
The Pineal Gland is the smallest organ in the human body, it is a small gland in the brain that produces melatonin the hormone that regulates your sleeping patterns. This gland is a small cone shaped organ only 8mm in diameter and can be seen on a regular X-ray.   In animals and to some degree people the Pineal Gland in addition to controlling sleeping patterns the gland also has an effect on seasonal changes, hibernation, puberty and seasonal breeding.
That is my science fact for the day.
-Justin Germino
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Tags: melatonin organ, Pineal Gland, Random Science Facts, Random Science Information, Science Facts, Smallest human organ, Smallest organ in body
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whew! whatabout the hardest muscle?
gagay
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Funny… I am sure I’ve heard the words before, pineal gland.. but certainly never gave it much thought. But just last week I finished a book by Greg Iles called Mortal Fear (if you happen to look it up the story is around a guy who works on the computer for a s3x site, just in case I’m misremembering the name)… It’s a crime/suspense and I love Greg Iles.. but the killer was taking peoples pineal gland, or at least part of it. He thought because of the melatonin it could have the potential to prolong your life. Good read.
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I think mines broke then. I haven’t had a normal sleep schedule since… well I simply cannot recall.. I like this new series, keep it up.
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Good day!Can I ask you a favor..huhuhu!i am needing now your opinion!
how to deal with long distance relationship?
gagay
gagays last blog post..Waving "BYE" to WINDOWS XP
I have never been in a long distance relationship, but some of my advice would be the following. Stay in touch often, get web camera’s and use video calls to see each other. Try to arrange trips to be with each other in person as often as possible. If the relationship is very serious, then consider one of you relocating to live next to the other person.
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good day! 1 of our co-bloggers is in need now of help for his family was diagnosed from dengue and needing blood transfusion urgently..visit http://walkingnewspaper.blogspot.com/2009/01/i-received-just-this-morning-commentary.html
hope we can extend prayers and financial help for kuya angel..thank u!
gagay
I’ve never heard of the Pineal Gland but I am always interested in anything that has to do with my sleeping hatbits. And seasonal breeding!? Does that apply to humans? Hmmm…we really are just mammals, aren’t we?
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I love this new series. I’ve always been fascinated by science–quantum physics especially, though all science is interesting to me.
you remind me of my med student years when we were quizzed randomly with questions like these. one of my favorites was: “what is the blood supply to the pupil?” it’s a trick question, because the pupil is but a hole, so there’s not blood supply going to a hole.
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I never thought we have that. Great post. Looking forward to read some of your posts.
Thanks for stopping by, let me know if you enjoy any other articles.
i’m fascinated by the interactions of serotonin, melatonin, dopamine, etc. I had a friend go through some serious issues around all these. So, the pineal gland may be tiny, but it does some seriously potent work. fun post.
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Whenever I read or hear about the pineal gland, I always think of the part in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas where the Samoan attorney describes taking an extract of pineal gland – crazy, crazy men
. I also recently found out that people have only known about what the pineal gland does for around 30 years – amazing! SSRI drugs and similar antidepressants seem to have been with us forever, but the neurotransmitters they work on were only discovered in the 70s. Science works pretty quickly sometimes!