Hypophyseal portal system

Definition

The hypophyseal portal system is a network of blood vessels that connects the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary gland, allowing for direct transport of regulatory hormones. This system plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient hormone communication between these two parts of the endocrine system.

Related terms

Hypothalamus: The part of the brain responsible for producing releasing and inhibiting hormones that control the anterior pituitary gland's secretion of hormones.

Anterior Pituitary Gland:

An endocrine gland that produces and releases hormones into the bloodstream under regulation by the hypothalamus, affecting various bodily functions.

Releasing Hormones: Hormones secreted by the hypothalamus that stimulate the anterior pituitary gland to release its own specific hormones