PINEAL GLAND Meaning and
Definition
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The pineal gland, also known as the pineal body or epiphysis cerebri, is a small endocrine gland located near the center of the brain in the vertebrate's epithalamus region. Shaped like a pine cone, this tiny gland plays a pivotal role in regulating various biological functions and processes in the body through the secretion of a hormone called melatonin.
The pineal gland is responsible for controlling the body's circadian rhythm, which is the internal clock that governs our sleep-wake cycle. It receives signals from the retina in response to light and darkness, allowing it to maintain the body's natural sleep pattern and synchronization with the external environment.
Furthermore, the pineal gland has been associated with the production and release of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep, mood, and reproductive functions. Melatonin levels rise in the evening, signaling the body to prepare for sleep, and decrease during the day, promoting wakefulness.
The pineal gland is also believed to have a role in regulating other hormones in the body, such as those related to sexual development and aging. It has been linked to the onset of puberty and the maintenance of reproductive functions.
Overall, the pineal gland is a crucial gland in the endocrine system, mainly responsible for the regulation of sleep-wake cycles and the secretion of melatonin to maintain a balanced sleep schedule and various other physiological functions.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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In the brain, a small protuberance of the size of a pea and shaped like a heart, which Descartes supposed to be the seat of the soul.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PINEAL GLAND
- oineal gland
- lineal gland
- -ineal gland
- 0ineal gland
- puneal gland
- pjneal gland
- pkneal gland
- poneal gland
- p9neal gland
- p8neal gland
- pibeal gland
- pimeal gland
- pijeal gland
- piheal gland
- pinwal gland
- pinsal gland
- pindal gland
- pinral gland
- pin4al gland
Etymology of PINEAL GLAND
The word "pineal" comes from the Latin term "glandula pinealis", where "glandula" means "gland" and "pinealis" refers to the resemblance of the gland to a pine cone. The word "pineal" was first used in English in the 17th century to describe this particular gland located in the brain.
The pineal gland itself was named after its shape, which was believed to resemble a pine cone. Its Latin name, "glandula pinealis", was given due to its small, conical shape that resembles a pine cone. This is because of its location and appearance in the brain.
The pineal gland has long been associated with spiritual and mystical significance in various cultures, often being referred to as the "third eye" due to its central location in the brain and the belief in its role in perception beyond ordinary sight.
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