Originally thought to be source of nasal mucus. From Latin pituita = slime, phlegm.
(Ptoooey! into the cuspidor!) The pituitary is partially enclosed in a bone formation
that reminded early anatomists of a Turkish saddle - the sella turcica.

Are you serious, Dr Bill? The etymology is actually traced back to PATOOEY? If so, this is my new favorite word. If not, I'll happily perpetuate the fable.