epiphysis

• Nom désignant soit l'extrémité arrondie d'un os long, initialement séparée par du cartilage avant de se souder lors de la croissance, soit une petite glande endocrine du cerveau qui sécrète la mélatonine.

A noun referring to either the rounded end of a long bone, initially separated by cartilage before fusing during growth, or a small endocrine gland in the brain that secretes melatonin.

1. C2formalmedical

   The rounded end of a long bone, initially separated from the main bone by a layer of cartilage that eventually ossifies so the parts become fused.

   Épiphyse (extrémité d'un os long)

   • The epiphysis of the femur is crucial for joint articulation.
   • In children, the epiphysis is separated from the diaphysis by a growth plate.
   • Fractures of the epiphysis can affect bone growth.

2. Pineal glandC2formalmedical

   A small endocrine gland in the brain, situated beneath the back part of the corpus callosum, that secretes melatonin.

   Glande pinéale

   • The epiphysis, or pineal gland, regulates sleep-wake cycles.
   • Melatonin produced by the epiphysis helps control circadian rhythms.
   • Calcification of the epiphysis is common in older adults.

   Synonymespineal gland