1. A small endocrine gland attached to the base of the brain that produces hormones regulating growth, metabolism, and other bodily functions; the pituitary gland.
Usage: Anatomical/medical term; Often used interchangeably with 'pituitary gland'

Examples

• The hypophysis secretes hormones that control growth and development in children.
• Damage to the hypophysis can result in hormonal imbalances.
• The hypophysis is connected to the hypothalamus by a thin stalk of tissue.
• Doctors examined the patient's hypophysis using an MRI scan.
• The anterior hypophysis produces growth hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone.