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

Tumors in the adrenal glands or the pituitary gland (in the brain) can affect cortisol levels. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 3 Mar. 2025

Primary hypogonadism occurs when the testes or ovaries do not function properly, and secondary hypogonadism occurs when the hypothalamus or pituitary gland does not work properly. —James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2025

Having too much cortisol in your body over an extended period of time can disrupt the functioning of your pituitary gland, a pea-size gland in the back of your brain that regulates your progesterone and estrogen levels. —Julia Ries, SELF, 24 Feb. 2025

The other 15% was too close to essential areas such as the pituitary gland to be extracted. —Uma Raja, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pituitary gland

• ampersand
• beforehand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• firebrand
• hinterland
• motherland

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