The hypothalamic-hypophyseal tract ________. A) connects the hypophysis to the pituitary gland B) runs through the infundibulum C) conducts aldosterone to the hypophysis D) is the site of prolactin synthesis

The pituitary and hypothalamus are closely related both structurally and functionally. The hypothalamus is an important brain structure that has both nervous system function and endocrine function. It serves as a link between two systems that transmit nervous system messages to endocrine hormones.

The pituitary gland is involved in several functions of the body including:

1. Growth hormone production

2. Production of a hormone that acts on other endocrine glands

3. Production of hormones that affect the muscles and kidneys

4. Regulation of endocrine function

5. Hormone-producing hormones produced by hypothalamus

and is located in the middle of the base of the brain, in a sphenoid bone of a skull called an sella turcica. The pituitary gland expands and connects to the hypothalamus, a structure similar to a stem called the pituitary infundibulum or femur.