GLANDULA PINEALIS Meaning and
Definition
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The glandula pinealis, also known as the pineal gland, is a small endocrine gland located in the brain, specifically in the epithalamus, near the center of the brain. It is shaped like a pine cone, hence its name pineal gland. The glandula pinealis is a vital part of the endocrine system and plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, particularly those related to the sleep-wake cycle and reproductive system.
The primary function of the glandula pinealis is the production and secretion of melatonin, a hormone that helps in coordinating the circadian rhythms. It regulates the body's internal clock, signaling the onset of darkness, which then prompts the body to prepare for sleep. The gland responds to changes in light levels, producing more melatonin in the absence of light and suppressing its production when exposed to light.
In addition to its role in circadian rhythm regulation, the glandula pinealis is also involved in other physiological processes like immune system modulation, sexual maturation, and fertility. It interacts with other hormones in the body, such as gonadotropins, to influence the functioning of the reproductive system.
The glandula pinealis has long been associated with spirituality and consciousness due to its location within the brain and its synthesis of melatonin, which is often referred to as the "hormone of darkness." However, further research is still needed to fully understand the gland's intricate mechanisms and its potential role in these areas.
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Pineal gland, corpus pineale.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GLANDULA PINEALIS
- flandula pinealis
- vlandula pinealis
- blandula pinealis
- hlandula pinealis
- ylandula pinealis
- tlandula pinealis
- gkandula pinealis
- gpandula pinealis
- goandula pinealis
- glzndula pinealis
- glsndula pinealis
- glwndula pinealis
- glqndula pinealis
- glabdula pinealis
- glamdula pinealis
- glajdula pinealis
- glahdula pinealis
- glansula pinealis
- glanxula pinealis
- glancula pinealis
Etymology of GLANDULA PINEALIS
The term "glandula pinealis" is derived from Latin. Here is the breakdown:
- Glandula: This is the Latin word for gland. It is derived from the Latin verb "glans" which means 'acorn' or 'nut'. The term "glandula" refers to a small anatomical structure that resembles a nut or a rounded shape.
- Pinealis: This is the adjective form of "pinus" in Latin, which means 'pine'. It is used to describe something that resembles or is associated with a pinecone or a pine tree.
Therefore, the term "glandula pinealis" can be translated as the "pineal gland" in English, referring to a glandular structure located deep within the brain that resembles a pinecone.
