pituitary gland

[ pi-too-i-ter-ee gland, pi-tyoo‐ ]

noun

, Anatomy.

1. 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, oradenohypophysis 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, orneurohypophysis 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.

pituitary gland

noun

1. 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 calledhypophysishypophysis cerebri See also adenohypophysis neurohypophysis

pituitary gland

/ pĭ-to̅o̅′ĭ-tĕr′ē /

1. 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

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pituitary gland¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

The two scientists cultured immature rabbit eggs for about a day, supplementing the nutrient broth either with extracts from cow pituitary glands or with an unspecified “maturity hormone.”

From Science News

Others who, because of a tumor in the pituitary gland, may overproduce HGH develop a different problem: gigantism.

From The Daily Beast

HGH is a hormone normally made in tiny amounts by the pituitary gland in all of us.

From The Daily Beast

I want a ball bat to club every country jake doctor that looks me over and asks about my pituitary gland.

From Project Gutenberg

Long ago we learned that the pituitary gland influenced growth and development.

From Project Gutenberg

Goldstein reported a case of gigantism from overactivity of the pituitary gland after castration.

From Project Gutenberg

It has been found that an abnormality quite like brachydactyly is produced by abnormality in the pituitary gland.

From Project Gutenberg

It is then fair to suppose that the factor which produces brachydactyly does so by affecting the pituitary gland in some way.

From Project Gutenberg