pituitary gland

noun

: a small oval endocrine organ that is attached to the infundibulum of the brain, consists of an epithelial anterior lobe joined by an intermediate part to a posterior lobe of nervous origin, and produces various internal secretions directly or indirectly impinging on most basic body functions

called also hypophysis, pituitary body

see brain illustration

Examples of pituitary gland in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The hypothalamus in the brain, pituitary gland, and ovaries secrete these hormones.3 During the follicular phase, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signals the pituitary gland to produce follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). —Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2024

These are guided by hormones from the adrenal and pituitary glands as part of the classic stress-response system, to ease pain and facilitate escape. —Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024

In cases where low testosterone is caused by hypothyroidism or diseases of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, the focus would be placed on treating those conditions. —James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 3 Sep. 2024

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that enables moms to breastfeed their babies. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 12 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pituitary gland

noun

: a small oval endocrine organ located at the base of the brain that produces various hormones that regulate especially growth and reproduction

called also pituitary body

Medical Definition

pituitary gland

noun

: a small oval reddish gray very vascular endocrine organ that is attached to the infundibulum of the brain and occupies the sella turcica, that is present in all craniate vertebrates, that consists essentially of an epithelial anterior lobe derived from a diverticulum of the oral cavity and joined to a posterior lobe of nervous origin by a pars intermedia, and that has the several parts associated with various hormones which directly or indirectly affect most basic bodily functions and include substances exerting a controlling and regulating influence on other endocrine organs, controlling growth and development, or modifying the contraction of smooth muscle, renal function, and reproduction

called also hypophysis, pituitary body

see adenohypophysis, neurohypophysis