Answer: - The chemical signals used by the hypothalamus to affect the function of the pituitary gland are called hypothalamic-releasing hormones or hypothalamic-inhibiting hormones. These hormones are released by specialized neurons in the hypothalamus and travel through the blood vessels to the anterior pituitary gland, where they regulate the secretion of various pituitary hormones. Examples of hypothalamic-releasing hormones include corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), among others. Hypothalamic-inhibiting hormones, such as dopamine and somatostatin, inhibit the secretion of certain pituitary hormones. Together, these hypothalamic hormones play a crucial role in regulating the endocrine system and maintaining overall hormonal balance in the body.