The pituitary gland, also called hypophysis, is a ductless gland of the endocrine system that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream. The anterior pituitary has the character of an epithelial gland, hence the alternative name of the adenohypophysis. Adeno means gland. The posterior pituitary is nervous tissue, hence the name neurohypophysis. It originates as an outgrowth from the diencephalic region that becomes the hypothalamus.