Question

While lecturing on the pituitary gland, Ms. Johnson tells the class that even though it is very powerful the pituitary gland is governed by an even more powerful part of the endocrine system. What part is Ms. Johnson referring to?

Answer 1

She’s referring to the hypothalamus. It sits above the pituitary and controls it by releasing releasing/inhibiting hormones to the anterior pituitary (via the hypophyseal portal system) and by sending neurosecretory signals to the posterior pituitary (oxytocin, ADH).