Definition
noun, plural: hypophyses
(zoology) The pituitary gland
(botany) The topmost cell of the suspensor that forms during dicot embryo development
Supplement
In zoology, the hypophysis refers to the pituitary gland, also known as the master gland of the endocrine system. It is located at the base of the brain, and is responsible for the release of hormones that regulate growth and metabolic processes.
In botany, the hypophysis pertains to the topmost cell of the suspensor in dicot embryos. The hypophysis cell differentiates into a cell that divides mitotically to later form parts of the embryonic root cap.
Word origin: Greek hypo (under) + physis (nature)
Synonym(s):
- pituitary gland
- master gland
Related term(s):
