MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: The pituitary gland

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The pituitary gland

The pituitary is a gland attached to the base of the brain which secretes hormones that govern the onset of puberty, sexual development and reproductive function.

Update Date: 3/18/2008

Updated by: Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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