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

One was prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. —Jennifer Chesak, Verywell Health, 24 June 2024

Such impairments could be trauma to the testes, varicoceles, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland disorders. —Casey Seiden, Parents, 19 May 2024

Deep sleep helps repair muscles and bones through several key mechanisms, including the release of human growth hormone – a protein produced in the pituitary gland – and various anti-inflammatory agents. —Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, The Conversation, 31 Jan. 2024

Cushing's syndrome occurs when the body produces too much cortisol due to steroid medications or tumors on the pituitary gland. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 29 Feb. 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