The pituitary gland is also known as
the "Hypophysis" and is an important endocrine gland in the human body.
Endocrine glands differ from "exocrine" glands
in that exocrine glands have ducts (so may be referred to as "ducted")
whereas endocrine glands do not have ducts (and so may be referred to
as "ductless").
The pituitary gland is a pea-sized unit connected
beneath the hypothalamus.
It is protected by the bony cavity in which
it is located
at the base of the skull.
The pituitary gland consists of several lobes, including an anterior
lobe ("adenohypophysis") and a posterior lobe
("neurohypophysis").
For a diagram indicating the locations within the body of each of
the endocrine glands, visit:
Endocrine
Glands of the Human Body. This may be of particular interest
to students of courses in massage, reflexology,
beauty therapies, and other basic-level medical or clinical courses.
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