Question

Which of the following structures connects the hypothalamus to the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland?

• A. Dendrites of the neurohypophysis
• B. Axons of neurohypophysis
• C. Bands of white fibers from the cerebellar region
• D. Hypophyseal portal system

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Hypophyseal portal system

The correct option is D:

Explanation for the correct option:

1. The anterior pituitary and hypothalamus are joined by a network of blood vessels at the base of the brain called the hypophyseal portal system.
2. Its main function is to quickly transport and exchange hormones between the hypothalamus arcuate nucleus and anterior pituitary gland.
3. A blood vessel system that links the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary.
4. These two structures are connected via hormonal transmission via the hypophyseal portal system.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. On a neuron's terminal are the dendrites, which resemble finger-like cells.
2. They are little, branching fibers that emerge from the cell body of the nerve cell. The area that may be used to receive incoming data is expanded by this fiber. Dendrites are the receiving or input components of a neuron.

Option B:

1. The axon, or nerve fiber, is a part of a nerve cell (neuron), and it is in charge of conveying nerve impulses out of the cell body.
2. A neuron typically has one axon that connects it to muscle cells, glandular cells, and other neurons.

Option C:

The cerebral WM, which includes fiber channels that convey axons linking cerebral cortical areas with one another and with subcortical structures, enables the scattered neural circuits that support sensory function, intellect, and emotion.

Final answer: The structure that connects the hypothalamus to the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland is the hypophyseal portal system.