Arushanian E B, Ovanesov K B
Usp Fiziol Nauk. 1995 Jul-Sep;26(3):25-40.
The brain gland epiphysis, participated in the regulation of the endocrine functions of mammals, is rudimentary third eye of lower vertebrates. In the process of evolution the gland has lost it own photoreceptor functions, but saved very close contacts with visual system. By means of it biologically active combinations and, first of all, melatonin hormone, the epiphysis support control over transmission of visual information and participate in realization of biological effects of light on organism.
脑垂体，参与哺乳动物内分泌功能的调节，是低等脊椎动物的退化第三眼。在进化过程中，该腺体失去了自身的感光功能，但与视觉系统保持着非常密切的联系。通过其生物活性组合，尤其是褪黑素，垂体维持对视觉信息传递的控制，并参与光对生物体的生物学效应的实现。
