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

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

For example, tumors on the pituitary gland can cause excessive growth. —Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024

Hormones are released by organs of the endocrine system (pituitary gland, thyroid gland, pancreas, adrenal glands) and travel through the blood. —Smita Patel, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 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