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 Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that enables moms to breastfeed their babies. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 12 Aug. 2024 This syndrome occurs when small tumors in your pituitary gland, an area in your brain that helps make cortisol, increase the amount of cortisol your body produces. —Heidi Cope, Health, 3 Aug. 2024 Prolactin is a hormone made by your pituitary gland. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 2 Aug. 2024 Secondary male hypogonadism is when the trouble originates in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. —Rachel Gurevich, Parents, 30 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for pituitary gland 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pituitary gland.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pituitary gland was in 1707

Dictionary Entries Near pituitary gland

pituitary fossa

pituitary gland

pituitary membrane

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Pituitary gland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pituitary%20gland. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on pituitary gland

Britannica English: Translation of pituitary gland for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pituitary gland

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