or hypophysis
Endocrine gland lying on the underside of the brain.
It plays a major part in regulating the endocrine system . Its anterior lobe secretes most of the pituitary hormones, which stimulate growth (see growth hormone ); egg and sperm development; milk secretion; release of other hormones by the thyroid gland , adrenal gland s, and reproductive system ; and pigment production. The posterior lobe stores and releases hormones from the hypothalamus that control pituitary function, uterine contraction and milk release, and blood pressure and fluid balance.