Physiology · Endocrine System

Hypothalamo-pituitary axis and pituitary hormones

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Definition

  • The hypothalamo-pituitary axis is the connection between hypothalamus and pituitary:
    • vascular with the anterior pituitary, via the portal hypophyseal vessels;
    • neural with the posterior pituitary, via the hypothalamo-hypophyseal tract.

Portal Hypophyseal Vessels

  • The connection between hypothalamus and anterior pituitary is vascular, via the portal hypophyseal vessels.
  • These are a true portal system: blood passes from capillaries to capillaries without traversing the heart.
  • Releasing hormones from the hypothalamus (hypophysiotropic hormones) reach the anterior pituitary via this hypophyseal portal circulation.

Path of the blood