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What is the infundibular stalk that connects the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland?
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Endocrine system
The glands of the human endocrine system.
The infundibular stalk, also known as the pituitary stalk, is a tubular structure that serves as the physical and functional connection between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.21
Anatomically, this stalk is composed of neuronal axons and hypophyseal-portal veins. It acts as a vital conduit for the following processes:2
- Nervous Pathway: It contains axons from neurosecretory cells that originate in the hypothalamus and extend into the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. These axons transport hormones such as vasopressin and oxytocin to be stored and released into the circulation.1
- Chemical Pathway: It facilitates the hypophyseal-portal circulation, which carries hypothalamic neurohormones directly to the anterior pituitary gland to regulate the secretion of its hormones.21
By housing these pathways, the infundibular stalk enables the hypothalamus to exert precise control over the endocrine system.1