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Which hormones are released from the posterior pituitary gland?

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Diagram showing the locations of major human endocrine glands in male and female bodies, including pineal gland, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, parathyroid glands, thyroid gland, thymus, adrenal glands, pancreas, kidneys, testes, and ovaries. — Endocrine system The glands of the human endocrine system.

The posterior pituitary gland releases two primary neurohormones into the bloodstream: vasopressin (also known as antidiuretic hormone or ADH) and oxytocin.12

Although these hormones are released from the posterior pituitary, they are not synthesized there. Instead, they are produced in the hypothalamus within specific clusters of nerve cells known as the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei. After synthesis, the hormones are transported through axons and stored in the posterior pituitary until neural signals trigger their release into the circulation.12

Vasopressin: Regulates blood pressure and promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys, which helps the body conserve water and prevents dehydration.13
Oxytocin: Facilitates uterine contractions during labor and stimulates milk ejection during breast-feeding. It also plays a role in various social and behavioral processes, such as pair-bonding and social recognition.14