Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
hypophysis

hypophysis

9.9
A small gland at the base of the brain that controls many body hormones
  • noun
  • /haɪˈpɒfɪsɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : hipófisis
  • The hypophysis controls the release of hormones from several other glands in the body.

Examples

  • Researchers study the hypophysis to understand endocrine disorders.

  • The hypophysis secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream.

  • A tumor of the hypophysis can disrupt hormone production throughout the body.

  • Damage to the hypophysis may cause serious endocrine disorders.

  • The hypophysis plays a crucial role in regulating the body's hormones.

  • Doctors study the hypophysis to understand how it affects growth and metabolism.

  • An imbalance in the hormones released by the hypophysis can lead to various health issues.

Synonyms

pituitary
vshypophysis
  • Specialized
5 6.8

A small gland at the base of the brain that controls growth and other glands

focuses on hormone release regulation rather than growth emphasis
pituitary gland
vshypophysis
  • Specialized
5 4.3

A small pea-shaped gland under the brain that controls other glands and body functions

is described more narrowly as regulating hormone release at the brain base
pituitary body
vshypophysis
  • Specialized
5.8

A small oval gland at the base of the brain that controls other glands

is the same organ but defined emphasizing hormone release control

Surface Forms

hypophysis singular
hypophyses plural

Morphology

hypophysis = hypo + physis

This is a learned classical formation with hypo- plus a Greek root, but the modern meaning 'pituitary gland' is not predictable from the parts for an average learner.

Etymology

The word hypophysis comes from Greek parts hypo- meaning 'under' and physis meaning 'growth' or 'nature', as in hypodermic meaning 'under the skin'. That's why the hypophysis is the pituitary gland, a small organ under the brain that controls hormones.