DIGESTIVE ORGANS AND THEIR ANATOMY. 307 



is of a reddish gray appearance. It owes its name to the 

 belief of the ancients that it discharged the Cl pituita" 

 (phlegm) into the nostrils. In structure it consists of con- 

 nective tissue, in which there are imbedded numerous 

 branched cells. 



There is possibly no reason for treating of this structure 

 in connection with the organs concerned in digestion, or 

 even in connection with the ductless glands, except for the 

 fact that experiments seem to indicate that its function is 

 closely allied to that of the thyroid glands. Complete re- 

 moval of the pituitary body causes immediate death. Death 

 is preceded by symptoms such as general prostration and 

 spasms, and mental weakness, which are quite similar to 

 those following the removal of the thyroids. This has led 

 many observers to believe that physiologically the pituitary 

 body is a thyroid, and is able to assume to some extent at 

 least, the functions of these glands. However, the con- 

 dition of our knowledge is best stated by saying that with 

 the exception of a few hints we have at present no clue to 

 its real physiological value. 



