Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): The posterior pituitary is often considered not to be a true endocrine gland. Reason (R): It synthesizes oxytocin and vasopressin under the direct neural regulation of the hypothalamus. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Step-by-step solution

Assertion (A) is correct because the posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis) does not synthesize its own hormones; it only stores and releases hormones into the blood. Therefore, it is functionally an extension of the hypothalamus and is often not considered a true endocrine gland. Reason (R) is incorrect because the posterior pituitary does not synthesize oxytocin and vasopressin. These hormones are actually synthesized by the hypothalamus and are transported axonally to the neurohypophysis, where they are stored an