Article
Article
Pituitary gland
Article By:
Schreibman, Martin P. Department of Biology, Brooklyn College, City University of New York, New York, New York.
Last reviewed:January 2021
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.520400
Show previous versions
- Pituitary gland, published June 2014:Download PDF
Get Adobe Acrobat Reader
The most structurally and functionally complex organ of the vertebrate endocrine system. The pituitary, also known as the hypophysis, is a pea-sized gland situated at the base of the brain (Fig. 1). Through its hormones, the pituitary affects every physiological process of the body. All vertebrates, beginning with the cyclostomes (jawless fishes), have a pituitary gland with a common basic structure and function. Still, the pituitary gland varies somewhat in complexity and hormonal potential among the vertebrate classes. In addition to its endocrine functions, the pituitary may play a role in immune responses. In general, inborn or acquired abnormalities in the structure or function of the pituitary gland lead to deleterious health conditions. See also: Brain; Endocrine mechanisms; Endocrine system (vertebrate); Endocrinology; Hormone; Immunology; Neurobiology; Neuroimmunology; Pituitary gland disorders
The content above is only an excerpt.
About AccessScience
AccessScience provides the most accurate and trustworthy scientific information available.
Recognized as an award-winning gateway to scientific knowledge, AccessScience is an amazing online resource that contains high-quality reference material written specifically for students. Contributors include more than 10,000 highly qualified scientists and 46 Nobel Prize winners.
MORE THAN 8700 articles covering all major scientific disciplines and encompassing the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology and McGraw-Hill Yearbook of Science & Technology
115,000-PLUS definitions from the McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms
3000 biographies of notable scientific figures
MORE THAN 19,000 downloadable images and animations illustrating key topics
ENGAGING VIDEOS highlighting the life and work of award-winning scientists
SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY and additional readings to guide students to deeper understanding and research
LINKS TO CITABLE LITERATURE help students expand their knowledge using primary sources of information
