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The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are at the center of endocrine functions. The hypothalamus is part of the brain, while the pituitary, also called hypophysis, is an endocrine gland. The hypothalamus links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland. The two structures are located at the base of the brain and are connected by a thin stalk.

The hypothalamus produces several hormones, known as neurohormones, which control the secretion of other hormones by the pituitary. Pituitary hormones, in turn, control the production of yet other hormones by other endocrine glands.

The pituitary has two distinct lobes:

- The anterior pituitary, also called adenohypophysis, communicates with the hypothalamus via a network of blood vessels known as the hypophyseal portal system. Several neurohormones produced by the hypothalamus are secreted into the portal system to reach the anterior pituitary, where they stimulate or inhibit production of pituitary hormones. 

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