Pituitary gland

Pituitary gland
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.

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  • pituitary gland — noun the master gland of the endocrine system; located at the base of the brain (Freq. 2) • Syn: ↑pituitary, ↑pituitary body, ↑hypophysis • Derivationally related forms: ↑hypophysial (for: ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

  • pituitary gland — UK [pɪˈtjuːɪt(ə)rɪ ˌɡlænd] / US [pɪˈtjuəterɪ ˌɡlænd] noun [countable] Word forms pituitary gland : singular pituitary gland plural pituitary glands medical the small organ at the base of your brain that produces the substances your body needs to… …   English dictionary

  • pituitary gland — [[t]pɪtju͟ːɪtri glæ̱nd, AM tu͟ːɪteri [/t]] pituitary glands N COUNT: usu sing The pituitary gland or the pituitary is a gland that is attached to the base of the brain. It produces hormones which affect growth, sexual development, and other… …   English dictionary

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  • pituitary gland — pitu′itary gland n. anat. a small, somewhat cherry shaped double lobed structure attached to the base of the brain, constituting the master endocrine gland affecting all hormonal functions of the body Compare anterior pituitary posterior… …   From formal English to slang

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