Final answer:
The hypothalamus synthesizes antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin, which are stored and secreted by the posterior pituitary gland. These hormones help regulate water balance and reproductive processes in the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The posterior pituitary gland, also known as the back lobe of the pituitary gland, plays a crucial role in the storage and secretion of hormones produced by the hypothalamus. It is important to note that the posterior pituitary itself does not synthesize hormones. Instead, it stores hormones that come from the hypothalamus and then secretes these hormones into the bloodstream as needed.
The hormones synthesized by the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary are the antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, and oxytocin. These hormones are produced by neurons in parts of the hypothalamus such as the paraventricular nuclei, which produce oxytocin, and the supraoptic nuclei, which produce ADH. They travel along axons within the infundibulum to reach storage sites in the axon terminals of the posterior pituitary. When the hypothalamus signals, these hormones are released from the axon terminals into the circulatory system.
Oxytocin is associated with a number of reproductive processes including childbirth and lactation, while ADH plays a key role in regulating water balance in the body by acting on the kidneys. These hormones are of critical importance to the functioning of the body and exemplify the close relationship between the hypothalamus and the posterior pituitary gland.