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 Scientists extracted the hormone from the cadavers’ pituitary glands, located at the base of the brain. Liz Szabo, NBC News, 29 Jan. 2024 Ceremonies with mushrooms, LSD, ayahuasca and toad Former US rugby player Anna Symonds says she was diagnosed with TBI about 10 years ago and has to take several different hormones that her body – notably her pituitary gland – is not making as a result of the head injuries. Amy Woodyatt, CNN, 19 Feb. 2024 The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain, and human growth hormone, or HGH, is a natural hormone the gland makes and releases, promoting growth in children. Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 29 Jan. 2024 Lastly, the mineral zinc stimulates the pituitary gland and aids the production of luteinizing hormone and testosterone, boosting lean muscle mass growth and preventing fat storage. Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2023 Between 1959 and 1985, these patients were among the at least 1,848 people in the United Kingdom who were treated with a human growth hormone derived from a cadaver’s pituitary gland, according to the study. Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 29 Jan. 2024 Being deficient in zinc prevents the pituitary gland from making and releasing luteinizing hormone, which is needed to create testosterone. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Oct. 2023 The endocrine system is responsible for the healthy functioning of both sexes' reproductive systems as well as the thyroid, pituitary gland, and other areas. Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 8 Aug. 2023 The pituitary gland in the brain produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 16 Nov. 2023

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

Cite this Entry

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

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

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