Pituitary stalk


 * Also see infundibulum for other uses of the term.

The pituitary stalk, also known as the infundibular stalk or simply the infundibulum is the connection between the hypothalamus and the posterior pituitary. It carries axons from the magnocellular neurosecretory cells of the hypothalamus down to the posterior pituitary where they release their hormones into the blood. This connection is called the hypothalamic-hypophyseal tract, and is responsible for the release of oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone.