noun / adjective
pituitary
pih-TOO-uh-tair-ee/pɪˈtuːəteri/
A gland at the base of the brain that controls many other hormone-producing glands, or relating to it.
The pituitary releases hormones that help control growth and other glands.
Etymology
The mucus-related name reflects an old belief that this gland channeled mucus to the nose. It survives as the name of the hormone-producing gland.
In context
At this point, our pituitary gland-- located inside the brain-- starts producing a special kind of hormone.
More examples
- Some pituitary hormones signal the ovaries to release eggs.
- Blood tests help the doctor assess her pituitary function.
- An MRI shows a small growth on his pituitary.
Forms
pituitary · pituitaries
Similar words
- hypophysis
- Technical anatomical name for the same gland.