noun
pituitary gland; hypophysis
Anatomical term for the small gland at the base of the brain that controls many hormonal functions.
脳下垂体はホルモンの分泌を調節する重要な器官です。
The pituitary gland is an important organ that regulates hormone secretion.
Shorter form also meaning pituitary gland; 脳下垂体 is more explicit and common in medical contexts.
Compound of 脳 (のう, 'brain') + 下垂体 (かすいたい, 'pituitary gland'), itself from 下垂 (かすい, 'hanging down') + 体 (たい, 'body').