Final answer:
The connecting link between the nervous system and the endocrine system is the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is anatomically and functionally connected to the posterior pituitary lobe through nerve axons.
Step-by-step explanation:
The connecting link between the nervous system and the endocrine system is the hypothalamus.
The hypothalamus is anatomically and functionally connected to the posterior pituitary lobe through nerve axons. These nerve axons allow the hypothalamus to send signals to the posterior pituitary gland, which releases hormones into the bloodstream.
The hypothalamus also plays a role in regulating key functions such as food and water intake, energy expenditure, body temperature, and circadian rhythms.