The Posterior Lobe of the Pituitary Gland is NOT a True

Question

The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland is NOT a true endocrine gland because ________.
A) in adults it is not functional
B) it does not produce hormones, rather it stores hormones from the hypothalamus for release
C) it is strictly part of the neural system and has nothing to do with hormonal release
D) it is unable to function as endocrine tissue because it is part of the nervous system due to its location

Accepted Answer

The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland does not produce hormones itself, but rather stores hormones that are produced in the hypothalamus and transported to the posterior pituitary for release into the bloodstream. Therefore, it is considered to be a neuroendocrine organ rather than a true endocrine gland.