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

When thyroid levels are sufficient, the pituitary gland reduces TSH to slow thyroid hormone production. —Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Rn-Bc, Health, 6 Dec. 2024

The Long-Term Benefits for Children With Higher Oxytocin Levels Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus—a part of the brain that controls many bodily functions—is released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024

Enlarged hands and feet and widening gaps between the teeth One of the conditions Samson treats is acromegaly, a rare hormonal disorder that occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024

Thyroid or pituitary gland conditions: Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can affect the HPO axis and result in menstrual irregularities. —Laura Schober, Health, 5 Oct. 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