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 stored in the posterior lobe of the pituitaty
D) Generally activate response elem ents in their target cells
E) All stimulate hormone release

Accepted Answer

Releasing factors, or 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 stimulate cells in the hypothalamus itself, release hormones stored in the posterior pituitary, or directly activate response elements in their target cells.