Pineal gland
Glandula pinealis
Definition
The pineal gland is a small, median endocrine gland of the epithalamus, composed of several parts: the pineal body, which forms the main portion; the pedoncle, which connects it to the epithalamus; and the pineal recess, which corresponds to a ventricular invagination associated with the gland.
The pineal gland regulates circadian rhythms by secreting melatonin, affecting sleep, hormonal cycles, and synchronization with light.
References
Evans HE, de Lahunta A. Miller’s anatomy of the dog, 4th edition, Elsevier Saunders, St Louis, 2012.
