pituitary body

pituitary body
    n 1: the master gland of the endocrine system; located at the
         base of the brain [syn: {pituitary}, {pituitary gland},
         {pituitary body}, {hypophysis}]
    

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]