- basilaris
- Pituitary Pi*tu"i*ta*ry, a. [L. pituita phlegm, pituite: cf.
F. pituitarie.] (Anat.)
(a) Secreting mucus or phlegm; as, the pituitary membrane, or
the mucous membrane which lines the nasal cavities.
(b) Of or pertaining to the pituitary body; as, the pituitary
fossa.
[1913 Webster]
{Pituitary body} or {Pituitary gland} (Anat.), a a small, somewhat cherry-shaped endocrine gland, situated in the pituitary fossa, and suspended from the base of the hypothalamus; the hypophysis; -- called also {glandula pituitaria}, and {basilaris}. It secretes th pituitary hormones: oxytocin; vasopresin; antidiuretic hormone; luteinizing hormone; somatotropins; prolactin; thyroid stimulating hormone; gonadotropins; adrenal corticotropin and other peptide hormones. It affects all hormonal functions, and is thus called the ``master gland''.
{Pituitary fossa} (Anat.), the ephippium. [1913 Webster +PJC]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.