Question

From which 2 structures does the posterior pituitary arise?

a) Infundibulum and Rathke's pouch
b) Diencephalon and telencephalon
c) Paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei
d) Sphenoid bone and optic chiasm

Answer 1

The posterior pituitary arises from the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus, which are part of the diencephalon of the brain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The posterior pituitary arises from two main structures. Specifically, these structures are part of the brain. The correct answer to which two structures the posterior pituitary arises from is: c) Paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. These nuclei are located within the hypothalamus, which is a part of the brain's diencephalon. The cell bodies residing in the hypothalamus send their axons down into the posterior pituitary to release hormones directly into the bloodstream. The posterior pituitary, also known as the neurohypophysis, significantly differs from the anterior pituitary in its origins and functions.