[noo
r-oh-hahy-pof-uh-sis, -hi-, nyoor-] 
[noor-oh-hahy-puh-fiz-ee-uhl, -hip-uh-, -hahy-pof-uh-see-uhl, -hi-, nyoor-] , adjective | a small, somewhat cherry-shaped double structure attached by a stalk to the base of the brain and constituting the master endocrine gland affecting all hormonal functions in the body, consisting of an anterior region (anterior pituitary or adenohypophysis) that develops embryonically from the roof of the mouth and that secretes growth hormone, LH, FSH, ACTH, TSH, and MSH, a posterior region (posterior pituitary or neurohypophysis) that develops from the back of the forebrain and that secretes the hormones vasopressin and oxytocin, and an intermediate part (pars intermedia), derived from the anterior region but joined to the posterior region, that secretes the hormone MSH in lower vertebrates. |
| neu·ro·hy·poph·y·sis (nŏŏr'ō-hī-pŏf'ĭ-sĭs, -hĭ-, nyŏŏr'-) n. pl. neu·ro·hy·poph·y·ses (-sēz') The posterior portion of the pituitary gland, having a rich supply of nerve fibers and releasing oxytocin and vasopressin. neu'ro·hy'po·phys'e·al, neu'ro·hy'po·phys'i·al (-hī'pə-fĭz'ē-əl, -hĭp'ə-, -hĭ-pŏf'ə-sē'əl) adj. |
A small gland, attached to the base of the brain and controlled by the hypothalamus, that functions in the endocrine system. The pituitary gland secretes many hormones: some control the actions of other glands, whereas others influence growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
neurohypophysis neu·ro·hy·poph·y·sis (n&oobreve;r'ō-hī-pŏf'ĭ-sĭs, -hĭ-, ny&oobreve;r'-)
n. pl neu·ro·hy·poph·y·ses (-sēz')
The posterior portion of the pituitary gland, having a rich supply of nerve fibers and releasing oxytocin and vasopressin. Also called posterior lobe of hypophysis.
pituitary gland n.
A small, oval endocrine gland attached to the base of the vertebrate brain and consisting of an anterior and a posterior lobe, the secretions of which control the other endocrine glands and influence growth, metabolism, and maturation. Also called hypophysis, master gland.