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Glite Dictionary
anterior pituitary gland

anterior pituitary gland

5.2
The front part of the pituitary that makes hormones controlling growth and body functions
  • noun
  • /ænˈtɪr.i.ər pɪˈtjuː.ɪ.tɛr.i ɡlænd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : glándula pituitaria anterior
  • The anterior pituitary gland secretes hormones that regulate growth and metabolism.

Examples

  • Tumors in the anterior pituitary gland can disrupt hormone balance in the body.

  • Doctors tested her anterior pituitary gland function to diagnose her endocrine disorder.

  • The anterior pituitary gland secretes growth hormones.

  • The anterior pituitary gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism.

  • Doctors tested her anterior pituitary gland function to diagnose her endocrine disorder.

  • The anterior pituitary gland secretes hormones that regulate growth and metabolism.

  • Tumors in the anterior pituitary gland can disrupt hormone balance in the body.

Synonyms

anterior pituitary
vsanterior pituitary gland
  • Specialized
6.1

The front part of the pituitary gland that makes and releases hormones controlling growth and reproduction

focuses on producing important hormones without mentioning release
adenohypophysis
vsanterior pituitary gland
  • Specialized
9.9

The front part of the pituitary gland that makes hormones for growth and body functions

uses a general description stressing hormone production rather than technical name

Surface Forms

anterior pituitary gland singular
anterior pituitary glands plural

Morphology

anterior + pituitary + gland

The meaning is directly compositional: 'anterior' (front) + 'pituitary' (the pituitary gland) + 'gland' yields 'the front part of the pituitary gland.' This follows standard anatomical naming patterns that are cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words can infer the referent and general function even if the term is technical.

Etymology

Anterior pituitary gland is a name that shows position and job: anterior means 'front' and the pituitary gland is the small gland at the base of the brain that makes important hormones. So the term refers to the front part of that gland, the section that 'produces hormones'.