pituitary gland

noun, Anatomy

a small, somewhat cherry-shaped double structure attached by a stalk to the base of the brain and constituting the master endocrine gland affecting all hormonal functions in the body, consisting of an anterior region ((anterior pituitary) or (adenohypophysis)) that develops embryonically from the roof of the mouth and that secretes growth hormone, LH, FSH, ACTH, TSH, and MSH, a posterior region ((posterior pituitary) or (neurohypophysis)) that develops from the back of the forebrain and that secretes the hormones vasopressin and oxytocin, and an intermediate part (pars intermedia) derived from the anterior region but joined to the posterior region, that secretes the hormone MSH in lower vertebrates.

Also called hypophysis.

Origin

1605-15

Examples from the web for pituitary gland

The pituitary gland is a pea-sized endocrine gland located at the base of the brain.
The pituitary gland is a small gland located at the base of the brain.
The pituitary gland is an organ of the endocrine system.
Growth hormone is produced in the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain.
Different hormones made in the brain tell the pituitary gland how much growth hormone is needed.
Normally, the hypothalamus gland in the brain makes vasopressin, and the pituitary gland stores the hormone.
Growth hormone is released from the anterior pituitary gland.
Secreted by the pituitary gland, this hormone directly influences the process of iodine trapping and thyroid hormone production.

British Dictionary definitions for pituitary gland

pituitary gland

noun

the master endocrine gland, attached by a stalk to the base of the brain. Its two lobes (the adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis) secrete hormones affecting skeletal growth, development of the sex glands, and the functioning of the other endocrine glands Also called hypophysis, hypophysis cerebri See also adenohypophysis, neurohypophysis

pituitary gland in Medicine

pituitary gland n.
A small, oval endocrine gland attached to the base of the vertebrate brain and consisting of an anterior and a posterior lobe, the secretions of which control the other endocrine glands and influence growth, metabolism, and maturation. Also called hypophysis, master gland.

pituitary gland in Science

pituitary gland

(pĭ-t'ĭ-těr'ē)
A gland at the base of the brain in vertebrate animals that is divided into two regions, anterior and posterior, each of which secretes important hormones. The anterior portion, whose secretions are directly controlled by the hypothalamus, produces hormones that regulate the function of most of the body's hormone-producing glands and organs, including the thyroid and adrenal glands. Growth hormone is also produced by the anterior pituitary. The posterior pituitary releases antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin.

pituitary gland in Culture

pituitary gland [(pi-tooh-uh-ter-ee)]

A small gland, attached to the base of the brain and controlled by the hypothalamus, that functions in the endocrine system. The pituitary gland secretes many hormones: some control the actions of other glands, whereas others influence growth, metabolism, and reproduction.