Question

How can the relationship between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland be described?

Answer 1

Hypothalamus and pituitary:

1. Both the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland are endocrine glands of the human body i.e, they secrete hormones in the body.
2. Hypothalamus is a small area of the brain, which is located under the thalamus whereas the pituitary gland is located just below the hypothalamus.
3. The pituitary gland comprises two lobes; the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis) and posterior lobe (neurohypophysis).
4. A special form of the blood portal system connects the hypothalamus to the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
5. Moreover, the hypothalamus is directly connected to the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland with the help of the neurons.
6. Hence we see that the hypothalamus controls the function of the pituitary gland.