Pituitary, pih TOO uh tehr ee, gland is one of the body's most important glands. It secretes a number of hormones, which control a wide range of body functions. The pituitary gland, also called the hypophysis, is about the size of a pea and lies under the brain near the center of the skull. A short stalk connects the pituitary to the hypothalamus, a part of the brain.