GLOSSARY

Hypothalamic–Pituitary Functional Integration
Hypothalamic–pituitary integration coordinates neural information with pituitary hormone release. The anatomical and functional connection differs between the anterior and posterior pituitary.

The anterior connection

Hypothalamic releasing and inhibiting factors enter portal vessels and act on distinct pituitary endocrine cell populations. Peripheral target-gland hormones return feedback to both central levels.

The posterior connection

• Vasopressin and oxytocin are synthesized in hypothalamic neurons and transported along axons to release sites in the posterior pituitary.
• The posterior lobe stores and releases these hormones rather than being their main synthesis site.

Applied distinction

A disturbance in central regulation can alter several peripheral hormones at once. Interpreting paired pituitary and target-gland measurements helps separate reduced stimulation from primary failure of the peripheral gland.