Releasing Factors in the Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

Question

Releasing factors in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis
A) Stimulate cells in the hypothalamus to release hormones
B) Are released by hypothalamic neurons into the hypophyseal portal blood
C) Release hormones store in the posterior lobe of the pituitary
D) Generally activate response elem ents in the DNA of their target cells
E) All stimulate hormone release

Accepted Answer

Releasing factors, also known as releasing hormones, are secreted by neurons in the hypothalamus and travel through the hypophyseal portal system to the anterior pituitary gland where they stimulate or inhibit the release of hormones. They do not directly stimulate cells in the hypothalamus, release hormones stored in the posterior pituitary, or activate DNA response elements in their target cells.