PITUITARY GLAND Meaning and
Definition
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The pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis, is a small bean-shaped endocrine gland found at the base of the brain in the center of the skull. It is often referred to as the "master gland" due to its crucial role in regulating and controlling various bodily functions.
The pituitary gland plays a fundamental role in the endocrine system by producing and releasing hormones that influence and regulate the activity of other glands throughout the body. It is divided into two distinct sections: the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary, each with different functions.
The anterior pituitary, or adenohypophysis, secretes several hormones that regulate important bodily functions such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response. These hormones include growth hormone (GH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin (PRL).
The posterior pituitary, or neurohypophysis, does not produce hormones but stores and releases two hormones synthesized by the hypothalamus: oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin. Oxytocin is involved in the regulation of childbirth and lactation, while ADH plays a role in maintaining the body's water balance and regulating blood pressure.
Overall, the pituitary gland acts as a crucial regulator of many bodily processes, ensuring that hormone levels are properly balanced and coordinated. Any dysfunction or abnormality in the pituitary gland can lead to a variety of endocrine disorders and can greatly impact overall health and wellbeing.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A gland situated on the lower side of the brain, supposed by the ancients to secrete the mucus of the nostrils.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PITUITARY GLAND
- oituitary gland
- lituitary gland
- -ituitary gland
- 0ituitary gland
- putuitary gland
- pjtuitary gland
- pktuitary gland
- potuitary gland
- p9tuitary gland
- p8tuitary gland
- piruitary gland
- pifuitary gland
- piguitary gland
- piyuitary gland
- pi6uitary gland
- pi5uitary gland
- pityitary gland
- pithitary gland
- pitjitary gland
Etymology of PITUITARY GLAND
The word "pituitary" comes from the Latin word "pituita", which means "phlegm" or "mucus". It was originally used to describe the fluid secretions of various glands in the body. The term "pituitary gland" specifically refers to a structure located at the base of the brain, which was believed to produce phlegm-like secretions. The Latin term "pituitarius" means "concerning phlegm", and it eventually transformed into "pituitary" in English.
Similar spelling word for PITUITARY GLAND
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