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

Hypopituitarism is a rare disorder affecting hormone production where the pituitary gland—the small but vital organ responsible for hormone production—does not function properly. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025

In rare cases, high cortisol can be an indication of Cushing’s syndrome (caused by a benign tumor in the pituitary gland). —Fiorella Valdesolo, TIME, 12 Mar. 2025

In Nova's case, her pituitary gland is underdeveloped and significantly smaller than normal, leading to a severe growth-hormone deficiency. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025

Summary Vasopressin is a hormone that the hypothalamus produces and the pituitary gland secretes. —James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2024

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