The pars nervosa is the portion of which gland that stores hormones?

The pars nervosa is the portion of which gland that stores hormones?

• A. Anterior pituitary
• B. Posterior pituitary
• C. Hypothalamus
• D. Pineal gland

Answer: (B)

The main idea is where hormones are stored in the pituitary system. The pars nervosa is the part of the pituitary that stores hormones released by the posterior lobe. These hormones are produced in hypothalamic neurons (oxytocin and vasopressin, also called ADH) and are packaged in nerve endings within the pars nervosa. When stimulated, they are released into the bloodstream from this posterior region. The anterior pituitary, by contrast, synthesizes its own hormones and releases them into the portal blood without storing them in the pars nervosa. The pineal gland isn’t involved in storing these hormones.

The main idea is where hormones are stored in the pituitary system. The pars nervosa is the part of the pituitary that stores hormones released by the posterior lobe. These hormones are produced in hypothalamic neurons (oxytocin and vasopressin, also called ADH) and are packaged in nerve endings within the pars nervosa. When stimulated, they are released into the bloodstream from this posterior region. The anterior pituitary, by contrast, synthesizes its own hormones and releases them into the portal blood without storing them in the pars nervosa. The pineal gland isn’t involved in storing these hormones.