Which gland does the hypothalamus control?

Which gland does the hypothalamus control?

• A. Pituitary gland
• B. Pineal gland
• C. Adrenal gland
• D. Thyroid gland

Answer: (A)

The hypothalamus directly governs the pituitary gland, forming the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. It does this in two ways: by releasing and inhibiting hormones into the hypophyseal portal system to control the anterior pituitary’s secretion of hormones like TSH, ACTH, GH, FSH/LH, and prolactin; and by sending neural signals to the posterior pituitary to trigger release of oxytocin and vasopressin. Through the pituitary, the hypothalamus indirectly influences other glands such as the thyroid, adrenal, and gonads.

The hypothalamus directly governs the pituitary gland, forming the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. It does this in two ways: by releasing and inhibiting hormones into the hypophyseal portal system to control the anterior pituitary’s secretion of hormones like TSH, ACTH, GH, FSH/LH, and prolactin; and by sending neural signals to the posterior pituitary to trigger release of oxytocin and vasopressin. Through the pituitary, the hypothalamus indirectly influences other glands such as the thyroid, adrenal, and gonads.