Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
anterior pituitary

anterior pituitary

6.1
The front part of the pituitary gland that makes and releases hormones controlling growth and reproduction
  • noun
  • /ænˈtɪr.i.ər pɪˈtjuː.ɪ.tɛri/
  • Specialized
translation icon : hipófisis anterior
  • The anterior pituitary secretes hormones that regulate growth and reproduction.

Examples

  • Doctors monitored her anterior pituitary function after the surgery.

  • Damage to the anterior pituitary can lead to hormonal imbalances.

  • The anterior pituitary secretes hormones like growth hormone.

  • Doctors study the anterior pituitary to understand hormone imbalances.

  • The anterior pituitary secretes growth hormone, which is essential for normal growth.

  • Hormones produced by the anterior pituitary regulate various bodily functions, including stress response and reproduction.

  • Imbalances in the anterior pituitary can lead to significant health issues, such as dwarfism or infertility.

Synonyms

anterior pituitary gland
vsanterior pituitary
  • Specialized
5.2

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

is the shorter form used without the organ word
adenohypophysis
vsanterior pituitary
  • Specialized
9.9

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

is the common name used in nontechnical contexts
pars anterior
vsanterior pituitary
  • Specialized
9.1

The front part of the small gland at the base of the brain that makes hormones

is the complete front lobe, not only a smaller subregion
pars distalis
vsanterior pituitary
  • Specialized
9.9

The front part of a small gland at the base of the brain that makes important hormones

is the full front lobe rather than just that front part

Surface Forms

anterior pituitary singular
anterior pituitaries plural

Morphology

anterior + pituitary

The meaning 'front lobe of the pituitary gland' is directly and compositionally derived from 'anterior' (toward the front) + 'pituitary' (an endocrine gland). This follows standard anatomical naming patterns that are cross-linguistically regular, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Anterior pituitary comes from words that show its place and job: anterior means 'front' and pituitary is the small gland under the brain that makes hormones. Think of the front part of that gland making and sending out important hormones, and that image explains why the name refers to the gland's front part that produces key hormones.