pituitary gland

noun

Definition of PITUITARY GLAND

: 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

See pituitary gland defined for kids

First Known Use of PITUITARY GLAND

1825

PITUITARY GLAND Defined for Kids

pituitary gland

noun pi·tu·i·tary gland \pə-ˈtü-ə-ˌter-ē-, -ˈtyü-\

Definition of PITUITARY GLAND for Kids

: a gland at the base of the brain that produces several hormones of which one affects growth

Medical Dictionary

pituitary gland

noun

Medical Definition of PITUITARY GLAND

: 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