What is another name for the pituitary gland?

The pituitary gland is commonly referred to as the hypophysis, which literally translates from Greek to mean “a growth beneath.” This name reflects its anatomical position beneath the hypothalamus in the brain. The hypophysis is a crucial component of the endocrine system, responsible for secreting various hormones that regulate a multitude of bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproductive processes.

While "endocrine gland" is a broader category that includes the pituitary gland among other glands like the thyroid and adrenal glands, it does not specifically identify the pituitary. The term "neurohypophysis" refers specifically to the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, which is involved in the storage and release of hormones produced by the hypothalamus. Glycosylation is a biochemical process and is not related to the naming or function of the pituitary gland. Thus, "hypophysis" is the precise term used to describe the pituitary gland.