Question

What is true about neurohypophysis?
A. Stores hormones produced by adenohypophysis
B. Functionless in humans
C. Stores and releases neurohormones secreted by hypothalamus
D. Secretes its own hormone

Answer 1

Hint: It is a part of the endocrine system. It is a major part of pituitary gland. It secretes major hormones i.e oxytocin and vasopressin.

Complete answer:
The posterior pituitary gland is referred to as neurohypophysis. Neurohypophysis constitutes as the posterior part of the pituitary gland. Pituitary gland is a major part of the endocrine system. It constitutes a collection of large axonal projections coming from the hypothalamus. These further terminate behind the anterior part of the pituitary. The function of these is to serve as a site for secretion of hormones i.e oxytocin and vasopressin into the blood directly.
Posterior pituitary is blue in color whereas the anterior portion is orange in color. The arterial supply to the region involves inferior hypophyseal arteries. The venous supply to the region involves hypophyseal vein. Pituitary gland also contains specialized glial cells and pituicytes. These cells help in release and storage of the released hormones. So the correct answer is C i.e stores and releases neurohormones secreted by hypothalamus. Oxytocin and vasopressin are created in hypothalamus. These are further released in posterior pituitary. These get stored in neuro secretory vesicles.
Oxytocin targets mammary glands and uterus. It affects uterine contractions and lactation.
Vasopressin (also known as antidiuretic hormone, arginine vasopressin) targets kidneys and arterioles. It stimulates water retention. It increases blood pressure.

Note: The posterior pituitary is blue in color and the anterior pituitary is red in color. It acts as a major site for hormone secretion. It releases two major hormones— oxytocin and vasopressin.