pituitary

synonyms: hypophysis, pituitary gland
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.11094

Small endocrine gland sitting in a bony cavity (the sella turcica) at the base of the brain and connected to the hypothalamus.

Note: The pituitary is structurally and functionally divided into anterior and posterior lobes. The anterior lobe secretes growth hormone (somatotropin), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocortocotropic hormone (ACTH), prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The posterior lobe develops from the hypothalamus and secretes oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) (also called arginine vasopressin (AVP)). An intermediate lobe (indistinct in humans) secretes melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH).
Source:
PAC, 2016, 88, 713. (Glossary of terms used in developmental and reproductive toxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2016)) on page 792 [Terms] [Paper]
Citation: 'pituitary' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.11094 RIS BibTex EndNote
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