Adenohypophyseal

/ˌædənoʊˌhaɪpɒˈfɪziəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the adenohypophysis, the front part of the pituitary gland that produces many important hormones.

Etymology

From Greek 'aden' (gland) + 'hypo' (under) + 'physis' (growth). The pituitary is called 'hypophyseal' because it sits beneath the brain; 'adeno-' specifies the glandular front portion.

Kelly Says

The adenohypophysis is sometimes called the 'master gland' because it controls so many other hormones in your body—and it's actually a completely different embryological origin than the back half of the pituitary, which is why it has its own special name.

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