{Pituitary body} or {gland} (Anat.), a glandlike body of
unknown function, situated in the pituitary fossa, and
connected with the infundibulum of the brain; the
hypophysis.
{Pituitary fossa} (Anat.), the ephippium.
Note: The true secreting glands are, in principle, narrow
pouches of the mucous membranes, or of the integument,
lined with a continuation of the epithelium, or of the
epidermis, the cells of which produce the secretion
from the blood. In the larger glands, the pouches are
tubular, greatly elongated, and coiled, as in the sweat
glands, or subdivided and branched, making compound and
racemose glands, such as the pancreas.
2. (Bot.)
(a) A special organ of plants, usually minute and
globular, which often secretes some kind of resinous,
gummy, or aromatic product.
(b) Any very small prominence.
3. (Steam Mach.) The movable part of a stuffing box by which
the packing is compressed; -- sometimes called a follower.
See Illust. of {Stuffing box}, under {Stuffing}.
4. (Mach.) The crosspiece of a bayonet clutch.