Water Pump Intake Outlet....Valve?

Last night, I blew the molded hose that connects the water pump to the intake near the thermostat housing. Not a big deal........had it fixed in a jiffy.

BUT, when I flushed the water pump outlet (it had a bit if gunk sitting in it), I noticed a "needle" of some sort in the middle of the open nipple.

The needle was just flopping around, so I removed it. Inside the pump nipple, under the needle, seems to be a valve of some sort......looks like a pressure valve or something............

I've never seen this before in my old Mopars, and was wondering if someone more learned would enlighten me............?

I've put the new hose on without the needle (it looked broken and incomplete as it was), and assume that all is well........as it was before the hose blew. I'd like to know what the heck this is anyway.............

Thanks.......... Doc