Given below are two statements: Statement I: The anterior pituitary gland is under direct neural regulation of the hypothalamus. Statement II: The posterior pituitary gland stores and releases hormones that are actually synthesized by the hypothalamus. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Step-by-step solution

The anterior pituitary gland is regulated by hormones secreted by the hypothalamus, which reach it through the hypophyseal portal system. It is the posterior pituitary gland that is under direct neural regulation of the hypothalamus. Thus, Statement I is incorrect. The posterior pituitary gland (neurohypophysis) does not synthesize its own hormones. It stores and releases oxytocin and vasopressin, which are synthesized by the neurosecretory cells of the hypothalamus and transported axonally to the posterior pituita