Through which posterior pituitary and hypothalamus connected
The posterior pituitary gland and hypothalamus are connected through a specialized structure called the infundibulum or pituitary stalk. The hypothalamus produces neurohormones that are transported down the nerve fibers of the infundibulum and stored in the posterior pituitary gland. When stimulated, these stored neurohormones are released into the bloodstream for systemic circulation.
The posterior pituitary gland is connected to the hypothalamus through a structure called the infundibulum. The infundibulum is a stalk-like extension of the hypothalamus, which extends downward and connects to the posterior pituitary gland. This anatomical connection allows for communication between the hypothalamus and the posterior pituitary gland.
The posterior pituitary gland is connected to the hypothalamus through a specialized structure called the hypothalamic-hypophyseal tract. This tract is composed of nerve fibers that originate in the hypothalamus and extend down to the posterior pituitary gland.
To understand how the posterior pituitary and hypothalamus are connected, we need to go through a few steps:
1. Start by visualizing the location of the hypothalamus and the posterior pituitary gland. The hypothalamus is a region located at the base of the brain, while the posterior pituitary gland is a small structure that hangs down from the hypothalamus.
2. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating many bodily functions, including the secretion of hormones. It produces a set of hormones called neurohormones, which are then stored and released by the posterior pituitary gland.
3. The neurohormones produced by the hypothalamus are transported to the posterior pituitary gland via the hypothalamic-hypophyseal tract. This tract consists of specialized nerve fibers that extend from the hypothalamus down to the posterior pituitary gland.
4. By traveling through this pathway, the neurohormones produced by the hypothalamus reach the posterior pituitary gland, where they are stored and eventually released into the bloodstream. Some of the hormones released from the posterior pituitary include oxytocin and vasopressin (also known as antidiuretic hormone or ADH).
In summary, the posterior pituitary gland and the hypothalamus are connected through the hypothalamic-hypophyseal tract, a pathway that allows neurohormones produced by the hypothalamus to be transported to and released from the posterior pituitary gland.