Definition: A collection of NEURONS, tracts of NERVE FIBERS, endocrine tissue, and blood vessels in the HYPOTHALAMUS and the PITUITARY GLAND. This hypothalamo-hypophyseal portal circulation provides the mechanism for hypothalamic neuroendocrine (HYPOTHALAMIC HORMONES) regulation of pituitary function and the release of various PITUITARY HORMONES into the systemic circulation to maintain HOMEOSTASIS.
hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis: coordinate HYPOTHALAMO-HYPOPHYSEAL SYSTEM + PITUITARY-ADRENAL SYSTEM; emphasis here is on interrelation between hypothalamus & pituitary: do not use as a substitute for HYPOTHALAMUS & PITUITARY GLAND as entities; disea
See AlsoPituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones ExamplesMedian Eminence; Pituitary Gland
Other names Hypothalamo Hypophyseal System; Hypothalamic Pituitary Unit; Hypothalamic-Pituitary Unit
