Final answer:
The posterior pituitary has a neural connection to the hypothalamus and its hormones are stimulated by hypothalamic hormones, but it does not make up the majority of the pituitary's bulk. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is option 3.
Step-by-step explanation:
Posterior Pituitary Gland Features
The posterior pituitary gland is an intriguing structure within the endocrine system and has specific characteristics distinguishing it from the anterior pituitary. An understanding of its features is important to grasp its role in hormone release and function.
- Neural connection to the hypothalamus: Indeed, the posterior pituitary has a direct neuronal connection to the hypothalamus. This connection is significant as neurosecretory cells transmit neural signals which result in the release of hormones.
- Hypothalamic hormone stimulation: It does not synthesize hormones; instead, it stores and releases hormones that are produced by the hypothalamus, namely, oxytocin and vasopressin (also known as antidiuretic hormone or ADH).
- Majority of pituitary bulk: However, this statement is incorrect as it is the anterior pituitary that constitutes the majority of the pituitary gland's bulk. The posterior is smaller in comparison.
In response to the student's multiple-choice query, option 3 is correct, indicating that the posterior pituitary is characterized by a neural connection to the hypothalamus and that its hormones are stimulated by hypothalamic hormones.