When Does Pineal Gland Develop?

The human fetal pineal gland develops in the second month of gestation as an evagination of the ependyma covering the third ventricle at the diencephalic-mesencephalic border [36, 37]. The cell proliferation of the ependymal cells gives rise toto an anterior- and posterior "anlage" (lobe) which later are merging.

At what age is the pineal gland fully developed?

Development. The human pineal gland grows in size until about 1–2 years of age, remaining stable thereafter, although its weight increases gradually from puberty onwards. The abundant melatonin levels in children are believed to inhibit sexual development, and pineal tumors have been linked with precocious puberty.

What triggers the pineal gland?

Light exposure is the most important factor related to pineal gland function and melatonin secretion.