Question

From whom must the posterior pituitary have permission?

1) Anterior pituitary
2) Hypothalamus
3) Thyroid gland
4) Adrenal gland

Answer 1

The posterior pituitary gland releases hormones produced by the 2) hypothalamus; it is the hypothalamus that regulates the release of these hormones from the posterior pituitary, not the anterior pituitary, thyroid gland, or adrenal gland.

Step-by-step explanation:

The posterior pituitary gland is an extension of the hypothalamus and does not synthesize hormones itself. Instead, it stores and releases hormones that are produced by the hypothalamus. The two hormones released by the posterior pituitary are antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin. The release of these hormones is directly controlled by the hypothalamus, not by the anterior pituitary or any other gland.

Therefore, concerning the question of from whom the posterior pituitary must receive "permission" to release its hormones, the correct answer is the hypothalamus. This is because the hypothalamic neurons generate the hormonal signals that prompt the posterior pituitary to release the stored hormones into the bloodstream. It's important to understand that the anterior pituitary, thyroid gland, and adrenal gland do not have direct regulatory control over the posterior pituitary's hormone release. So the anwwer is option 2.