The posterior pituitary is not really an endocrine gland. Why not? What is it?

1 Answer
Joëlle
Jul 2, 2016

It is an extension of the hypothalamus.

Explanation:

The posterior pituitary is also called the neurohypophysis. It is actually an extension of / contains nerve cells from the hypothalamus (see image below).

Where the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) is actually a gland that produces hormones. The posterior pituitary doesn't produce hormones, but only stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus.

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1899167-overview

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