pineal gland

[paɪˈniːəl ɡlænd]
nounpl: pineal glands
glândula pineal
1. A small endocrine gland in the brain that produces melatonin and regulates sleep-wake cycles and other circadian rhythms
The pineal gland secretes melatonin in response to darkness.
A glândula pineal secreta melatonina em resposta à escuridão.
2. In anatomy, a cone-shaped gland located near the center of the brain, between the two hemispheres
The pineal gland is approximately the size of a pea and weighs about 100 milligrams.
A glândula pineal tem aproximadamente o tamanho de uma ervilha e pesa cerca de 100 miligramas.
The pineal gland has gained popularity in wellness and alternative medicine communities in both the USA and Brazil, often associated with spiritual awakening and the 'third eye' concept, despite being a well-documented biological structure. In medical and scientific contexts, it is referred to strictly by its anatomical name in both English and Portuguese-speaking countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
pineal bodyepiphysis cerebriepiphysisthird eye (metaphorical)

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
glândula pineal
Standard medical terminology used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
glândula pineal
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese; no regional variation
São Paulo
glândula pineal
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese; no regional variation
Portugal
glândula pineal
Identical terminology in European Portuguese; sometimes referred to as 'epífise cerebral'

Related Words

melatonincircadian rhythmendocrine glandhypothalamuspituitary glandsleep cycleserotonin

Related Idioms & Phrases

activate the pineal gland (metaphorical wellness context)
decalcify the pineal gland (alternative medicine context)
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