The hypothalamus controls excretions from the pituitary gland. It causes the release of some hormones from the pituitary by direct nervous control, and others by secreting releasing and inhibiting factors that stimulate the pituitary to secrete hormones. Which best describes the hypothalamus?
Answer
A
It is a connection point between the nervous and endocrine systems.
B
It is both an exocrine and endocrine gland.
C
It is referred to as the “master gland.”
D
It secretes its contents into ducts.
Explanation
The hypothalamus links nervous-system signals to hormone release by controlling the pituitary in two ways: through direct nervous control and through releasing or inhibiting factors. This makes it a connection point between the nervous and endocrine systems. The pituitary, not the hypothalamus, is commonly called the “master gland.”
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