Posterior pituitary



The posterior pituitary (also called the neurohypophysis) comprises the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland and is part of the endocrine system. It consists mainly of neuronal projections (axons) extending from the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus that secrete peptide hormones into the capillaries of the hypophyseal circulation.

Anatomy
Despite its name, the posterior pituitary gland is not a gland, per se; rather, it is largely a collection of axonal projections from the hypothalamus that terminate behind the anterior pituitary gland. Like the anterior pituitary, this tissue receives its blood supply from the hypophyseal artery, and secretes hormones into the hypophyseal vein.

The posterior pituitary has three main components:
 * pars nervosa
 * infundibular stalk
 * median eminence

Major hormones secreted
Hormones known classically as posterior pituitary hormones are synthesized by the hypothalamus. They are stored and secreted by the posterior pituitary into the bloodstream.