Question

Describe the relationship of the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary and posterior pituitary?

are both connected by a hypothalamo-hypophyseal connection?

Answer 1

Hypothalamus is extension of diencephalon. It is part of the brain.
Anterior pituitary is endocrine gland of embryological gut origin.

Explanation:

Diencephalon secretes regulaory hormones of anterior pituitary. For example Thyroid stimulating hormone or Gonadotropin releasing hormone.
Anterior pituitary secretes trophic hormones.
In short hypthalamus regulates secretion of anterior pituitary hormones.