What structure connects the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus?

The structure that connects the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus is known as the infundibulum. This thin stalk-like structure is crucial for the regulation of the endocrine system, as it serves as a physical connection that allows for the transport of hormones from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland, particularly to the anterior pituitary. The infundibulum contains blood vessels and nerve fibers that facilitate this communication, ensuring that the pituitary gland can effectively respond to neurohormones released by the hypothalamus.

The other structures mentioned serve different functions. The pituitary stalk generally refers to the same anatomical feature but is less precise than "infundibulum," which is the term widely used in neuroanatomy. The hypothalamic bridge and median eminence are part of the hypothalamus region but do not serve the same direct connecting role as the infundibulum. Therefore, identifying the infundibulum allows for a better understanding of the relationship and regulatory mechanisms between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, which is essential in the functioning of the endocrine system.