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[[File:Anolis carolinensis parietal eye.JPG|180px|thumb|right|'''The Parietal Eye of a Lizard (Wikimedia Commons)]]
Also Known As: '''''Pineal Eye''''' — '''''Third Eye'''''
==Introduction==
The '''parietal eye''' is a '''small degenerate eye''' (containing a rudimentary lens and retina) situated on the '''dorsal midline''' between the normal eyes of some '''lizards''', including the green iguana. It is commonly referred to as the ''''pineal eye'''' or ''''third eye''''. It detects both UV light and heat, connecting with the '''pineal body'''.
==Function==
The parietal eye appears to be involved in '''hormone production''' and '''thermoregulation''' (by acting as a light dosimeter). It is '''photosensitive''', detecting '''light and dark''' - which allowing lizards to detect the '''movement of predators'''. [[Category:Lizard_and_Snake_Glossary]]
{{Learning
|flashcards = [[Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A 16]]
}}
==References==
Fowkes, R (2008) '''Endocrinology of Special Species''' BVetMed Integrated Course ''RVC''
Frye, FL & Williams, DL (1995) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review - Reptiles & Amphibians''' ''Manson''
[[Category: To Do - Siobhan Brade]]
[[Category:To Do - Manson review]]