17.3 The Pituitary Gland and Hypothalamus

The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland is connected to the hypothalamus by vasculature, which allows regulating hormones from the hypothalamus to travel to the anterior pituitary. In contrast, the posterior lobe is connected to the hypothalamus by a bridge of nerve axons called the hypothalamic-hypophyseal tract, along which the hypothalamus sends hormones produced by hypothalamic nerve cell bodies to the posterior pituitary for storage and release into the circulation.

Compare and contrast the anatomical relationship of the anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus.

Zero.

How many hormones are produced by the posterior pituitary?

The mammary glands are the target tissues for prolactin.

Name the target tissues for prolactin.

nerve axons.

The hypothalamus is functionally and anatomically connected to the posterior pituitary lobe by a bridge of ________.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone.

Visit this link to watch an animation showing the role of the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. Which hormone is released by the pituitary to stimulate the thyroid gland?

antidiuretic hormone.

Which of the following hormones contributes to the regulation of the body's fluid and electrolyte balance?

TSH.

Which of the following is an anterior pituitary hormone?