Pituitary stalk
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 hypothalamohypophyseal tract, and is responsible for the release of oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone.
The sinuses at the base of the skull.
Median sagittal section of brain. The relations of the pia mater are indicated by the red color.
Drawing of a cast of the ventricular cavities, viewed from the side.
The hypophysis cerebri in position. Shown in sagittal section.
Vertical sections of the heads of early embryos of the rabbit. Magnified.
Human brainstem anterior view
midline: MD • Intralaminar (Centromedian) • Midline nuclear group • Interthalamic adhesion • Medullary laminae
surface: reticular
endocrine - posterior pituitary: magnocellular/Paraventricular/Supraoptic (oxytocin/vasopressin)
endocrine - other: parvocellular/Arcuate (dopamine/GHRH) • Preoptic (GnRH) • Suprachiasmatic (melatonin)
emotion: Lateral (hunger) • Ventromedial (satiety) • Dorsomedial (rage)
surface: Median eminence/Tuber cinereum • Mammillary body • Infundibulum
tracts: Medial forebrain bundle
