procreas

Procreas is a term used in speculative biology and science fiction to denote a hypothetical organ that purportedly combines endocrine functions with reproductive physiology. It is not part of standard human anatomy, and there is no widely accepted evidence for its existence in real-world biology.

The name is neologistic, drawing on the prefix pro- and the suffix -creas, echoing terms such as pancreas and procreation. In fiction, the procreas is described as an integrated gland arising in embryonic development with ties to both the endocrine system and the reproductive axis.

In fictional accounts, the procreas may function as an endocrine regulator that secretes hormones influencing gametogenesis, puberty, fertility, and embryonic development. Some narratives also attribute exocrine roles, such as producing digestive enzymes or metabolic mediators, and note neural connections to the hypothalamus and gonadal systems. The organ is often depicted as compact, located adjacent to the stomach or within the upper abdominal cavity, with variability in size and lobular structure across species.

Because procreas is not recognized by contemporary anatomy, its descriptions vary by author and work. It is frequently used as a narrative device to explore themes of fertility, maturation, and the relationship between metabolism and reproduction.

See also: pancreas, endocrine system, reproductive biology.