j) Pineal gland

Ans : The pineal gland has several critical functions including secretion of melatonin the hormone that causes sleepiness and regulation of certain endocrine functions. The gland also helps the body to convert signals from the nervous system to signals in the endocrine system.

Physiological Function

Physiologically, in conjunction with the hypothalamus gland, the pineal gland controls the sex drive, hunger, thirst and the biological clock which determines the body’s normal aging process.

The primary function is that pineal gland secretes melatonin. This hormone is the primary one that controls your sleepiness and wakefulness. Natural light tends to turn this gland on. When the pineal gland is activated, your brain moves from sleeping to a state of wakefulness. This process is sometimes referred to as the awakening of the “Third Eye” – a common name for the pineal gland.

Spiritual Connection

This concept of the pineal gland as the “Third Eye” has long been seen as a link between the spiritual and physical worlds. In addition to the important physiological functions of the pineal gland, this is the part of the brain that has traditionally been considered to be the seat of higher consciousness and a link to the metaphysical world. It is the pineal gland that seems to be most affected during meditation and visualization yoga and all other forms of “out of the body travel”.

(ii) Cochlea

Ans : The cochlea is the auditory center of the inner ear, a fluid-filled organ that translates the vibrations of auditory sound into impulses the brain can understand. This occurs at the organ of Corti, a structure consisting of tiny hairs throughout the cochlea that vibrate and send electrical signals through the nervous system.

(iii) Urethra

Ans : In human males and females, as is the case with its structural variation, In women, the urinary tube serves only as a passage for urine from bladder to the region near clitoris and vagina, while in men; it is involved in dual functions that are the transfer of urine out of the body through penile opening as well as the ejaculation of seminal fluid. The process of urination is controlled by both voluntary and involuntary actions where the external urethral sphincter is responsible for the deliberate command over the excretion of urinary fluid. The striated muscle tissue that forms the external voluntarily controlled sphincter is responsible for the effective functioning of this structure.

(iv) Large intestine

Ans : Function of Large Intestine

The large intestine is primarily responsible for removing water from the contents of the intestine and making it ready for removal from the body. Its functions are:

1. Absorb Water

Within 24 hours after eating, undigested food moves from the small intestine into the large. At this point, most of the digestive process is complete. One of the primary functions of the large intestine is to absorb water and prepare the waste as a solid stool that will be expelled from the body.

2. Absorb Vitamins

There are a number of beneficial bacteria that normally live in the large intestine and play an important role in breaking down undigested sugars and fibers into fatty acids. These commensal bacteria also create the gas that is composed of methane, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide and other gases. This flatus is the foul-smelling result of the breakdown of the sugars by the bacteria. The beneficial bacteria produce many vitamins, of which are Vitamin K and Biotin that are absorbed back into the body.

3. Reduce Acidity and Protect from Infections

The fatty acids that are produced by the bacteria in the large intestine cause an acidic environment in the gut. The large intestine produces alkaline solutions that help to reduce the acidity and balance the pH in the large intestine. The mucous lining of the large intestine acts as a protective layer that prevents harmful bacteria from being reabsorbed into the body.

4. Produce Antibodies

A little-known function of