diencephalon of the brain
17.3 The Pituitary Gland and Hypothalamus The hypothalamuspituitary complex is located in the diencephalon of the brain. The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland are connected by a structure called the infundibulum, which contains vasculature and nerve axons. The pituitary gland is divided into two distinct structures with different embryonic origins. The posterior lobe houses the axon terminals of hypothalamic neurons. It stores and releases into the bloodstream two hypothalamic hormones: oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone ADH . The anterior lobe is connected to the hypothalamus by vasculature in the infundibulum and produces and secretes six hormones. Their secretion is regulated, however, by releasing and inhibiting hormones from the hypothalamus. The six anterior pituitary hormones are: growth hormone GH , thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH , adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH , follicle-stimulating hormone FSH , luteinizing hormone LH , and prolactin PRL .