hypophysis

hypophysis: see pituitary gland.

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pituitary gland

 or hypophysis

Endocrine gland lying on the underside of the brain that plays a major role in regulating the endocrine system. The anterior pituitary lobe secretes six hormones that play specific roles in stimulating production of cortisol and androgens by the adrenal cortex (corticotropin), growth of eggs and sperm (follicle-stimulating hormone), production of progesterone and testosterone (luteinizing hormone), linear growth in children and bone maintenance in adults (growth hormone), milk production (prolactin), and production of thyroid hormone (thyrotropin). The posterior lobe stores and releases two hormones, oxytocin and vasopressin, from nerve cells in specialized regions of the hypothalamus that control pituitary function. These hormones stimulate uterine contraction and milk secretion (oxytocin) and blood pressure and fluid balance (vasopressin).

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pituitary gland, body

the master endocrine gland, attached by a stalk to the base of the brain. Its two lobes (see adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis) secrete hormones affecting skeletal growth, development of the sex glands, and the functioning of the other endocrine glands Also called hypophysis hypophysis cerebri

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hypophysis [hī′päf·ə·səs]

(anatomy)

A small rounded endocrine gland which lies in the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone and is attached to the floor of the third ventricle of the brain in all craniate vertebrates. Also known as pituitary gland.