The anterior pituitary gland; it consists of the distal part, intermediate part, and infundibular part. SEE ALSO: pituitary gland. SYN: lobus anterior hypophyseos [TA], anterior lobe of hypophysis, glandular lobe of hypophysis, lobus glandularis hypophyseos.
* * *
ad·e·no·hy·poph·y·sis -hī-'päf-ə-səs n, pl -y·ses -ə-.sēz the anterior part of the pituitary gland that is derived from the embryonic pharynx and is primarily glandular in nature called also anterior lobe compare NEUROHYPOPHYSIS
* * *
n.
the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
* * *
ad·e·no·hy·poph·y·sis (ad″ə-no-hi-pofґĭ-sis) [adeno- + hypophysis] [TA] the anterior lobe of the hypophysis (pituitary gland), which originates in the buccal epithelium of the embryo; it secretes hormones that regulate the functioning of the thyroid gland, gonads, adrenal cortex, and other endocrine organs. The adenohypophysis comprises the pars tuberalis; the pars distalis, which is its main body; and the pars intermedia, which secretes β-endorphin, melanotropins, and other regulators but is sometimes considered to be part of the neurohypophysis (q.v.). Called also anterior pituitary, anterior lobe of hypophysis, and lobus anterior hypophyseos [TA alternative]. See illustration at hypophysis.Medical dictionary. 2011.