What are the two major portions of the pituitary gland?

The correct answer identifies the two major portions of the pituitary gland, known as the adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis. The adenohypophysis refers to the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, which is responsible for producing and releasing several key hormones such as growth hormone, prolactin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone. These hormones play vital roles in regulating growth, metabolism, and stress responses.

On the other hand, the neurohypophysis corresponds to the posterior lobe, which does not produce hormones but stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus, such as oxytocin and vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone). This functional division is significant for understanding how the endocrine system manages various physiological processes.

The other options do not accurately describe the structure of the pituitary gland. The medulla and cortex refer to regions within the adrenal glands, not the pituitary. The thyroid and parathyroid are separate endocrine glands with distinct functions unrelated to the pituitary. Understanding these terminologies reinforces the concept of how various glands interact within the endocrine system.