In human physiology, which structure most directly links the nervous system to the endocrine system by controlling pituitary hormone release?

• A. Adrenal cortex
• B. Hypothalamus
• C. Thyroid gland
• D. Pineal gland

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the roles of the nervous and endocrine systems: The nervous system uses electrical signals to communicate rapidly, while the endocrine system uses hormones for slower, longer-lasting effects.
2. Identify the structure that acts as a bridge between these two systems by controlling hormone release from the pituitary gland, which is a major endocrine gland.
3. Recall that the hypothalamus is a part of the brain that receives neural signals and, in response, secretes releasing or inhibiting hormones that regulate the pituitary gland.
4. Recognize that the hypothalamus controls the anterior pituitary by releasing specific hormones into the blood vessels connecting them, and it also controls the posterior pituitary by direct neural connections.
5. Conclude that the hypothalamus is the structure that most directly links the nervous system to the endocrine system by controlling pituitary hormone release.