epifüüs

Epifüüs is a term used in anatomy and histology. In human anatomy, it most commonly refers to the epiphysis of a bone, which is the expanded end of a long bone that forms a joint with another bone. This part of the bone is typically made of spongy bone tissue surrounded by a layer of compact bone. During development, the epiphysis is separated from the diaphysis (the shaft of the bone) by the epiphyseal plate, a layer of cartilage responsible for longitudinal bone growth. Once growth ceases, the epiphyseal plate ossifies, and the epiphysis fuses with the diaphysis.

The pineal gland, also known as the epiphyse in some contexts, is a small endocrine gland located in the brain. It produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and is influenced by light exposure. The pineal gland's location deep within the brain has historically led to various philosophical and mystical interpretations, with some cultures referring to it as the "third eye." Despite these associations, its primary known function is hormonal regulation. The term "epifüüs" can thus refer to either a part of a bone or a gland in the brain, depending on the context of its use.