The pituitary is a gland attached to the base of the brain. The gland secretes hormones that govern the onset of puberty, sexual development, and reproductive function. Because it controls so many endocrine glands, the pituitary is sometimes called the "master" gland.
Review Date: 12/31/2007 Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.
