Biology · Chemical Coordination and Integration · NEET
The pituitary gland sits in a bony cavity called the sella turcica and hangs from the hypothalamus by a stalk. It has two main parts: the adenohypophysis (which has pars distalis = anterior pituitary, and pars intermedia) and the neurohypophysis (pars nervosa = posterior pituitary). Memory hook: "ADENO makes, NEURO stores" — the adenohypophysis makes its own hormones, the neurohypophysis only stores hormones made by the hypothalamus.
The pituitary sits in the sella turcica below the hypothalamus. Adenohypophysis (pars distalis = anterior, pars intermedia) makes its own hormones; neurohypophysis (pars nervosa = posterior) only stores ADH and oxytocin made by the hypothalamus.
Your doubts, answered
What is the difference between adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis?
Adenohypophysis is the glandular front part of the pituitary. It has two portions: pars distalis (the anterior pituitary) and pars intermedia. It MAKES its own hormones. Neurohypophysis is the pars nervosa (the posterior pituitary). It does NOT make hormones — it only stores and releases oxytocin and vasopressin (ADH), which are actually made in the hypothalamus. Simple rule: adeno = maker, neuro = store room.
What are pars distalis and pars intermedia?
Both are parts of the adenohypophysis. Pars distalis is the large front region, commonly called the anterior pituitary; it produces GH, PRL, TSH, ACTH, LH and FSH. Pars intermedia is a small strip between the two lobes; in humans it is almost merged with pars distalis and secretes MSH (melanocyte stimulating hormone). NEET loves asking that MSH comes from pars intermedia.
Where exactly is the pituitary gland located?
The pituitary gland lies in a small bony cavity of the skull called the sella turcica (a saddle-shaped depression of the sphenoid bone). It is attached to the hypothalamus by a stalk (infundibulum). This location is a common one-mark direct question in NEET, so remember the exact term: sella turcica.
Is the posterior pituitary the same as neurohypophysis?
Yes. Neurohypophysis = pars nervosa = posterior pituitary — three names for the same part. Likewise adenohypophysis's pars distalis = anterior pituitary. Students lose marks because the question uses one name and the option uses another, so learn all the synonyms as a set.
Does the posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis) synthesise hormones?
No. The neurohypophysis only stores and releases oxytocin and vasopressin (ADH). These two hormones are synthesised by the hypothalamus and transported down the axons (stalk) to the posterior pituitary. That is why the posterior pituitary is called 'not a true endocrine gland' — it releases hormones it did not make.
⚠️ The NEET trap ✗ The posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis) makes oxytocin and vasopressin. ✓ Oxytocin and vasopressin are made by the HYPOTHALAMUS; the neurohypophysis only stores and releases them. 🧠 Neuro = store room, not factory. It releases hormones it never made — that is why it is 'not a true endocrine gland'.
Real NEET questions
ReNEET 2026
Which of the following statements related to the pituitary gland are correct? (a) It is divided anatomically into adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis; (b) It secretes follicle stimulating hormone; (c) It secretes melanocyte stimulating hormone; (d) It does not secrete prolactin.
A · (a) and (b) only
B · (a), (b) and (c) only ✓
C · (a) and (d) only
D · (a) and (c) only
Solution: The pituitary is anatomically divided into adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis, so (a) is correct. The adenohypophysis (pars distalis) secretes FSH (b) and the pars intermedia secretes MSH (c). Statement (d) is wrong because the pituitary DOES secrete prolactin. Hence the correct combination is (a), (b) and (c).
NEET 2016
The posterior pituitary gland is not a 'true' endocrine gland because
A · It is provided with a duct
B · It only stores and releases hormones ✓
C · It is under the regulation of hypothalamus
D · It secretes enzymes
Solution: The neurohypophysis (posterior pituitary / pars nervosa) does not synthesise its own hormones. Oxytocin and vasopressin are made by the hypothalamus and transported axonally to the posterior pituitary, which only stores and releases them. A true endocrine gland makes the hormones it secretes, so the posterior pituitary is not a true endocrine gland.
NEET 2025
Which of the following hormones released from the pituitary is actually synthesized in the hypothalamus?
A · Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
B · Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
C · Luteinizing hormone (LH)
D · Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) ✓
Solution: ADH (vasopressin) and oxytocin are released from the posterior pituitary but are actually synthesised by the hypothalamus and carried down the stalk to the neurohypophysis. FSH, LH and ACTH are made by the anterior pituitary (pars distalis) itself. So the pituitary-released hormone made in the hypothalamus is ADH.
Solved Chemical Coordination and Integration NEET PYQs
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
Two main parts. Adenohypophysis with pars distalis (anterior pituitary) and pars intermedia; and neurohypophysis, which is the pars nervosa (posterior pituitary).
In which bony cavity is the pituitary gland located?
In the sella turcica, a saddle-shaped depression of the sphenoid bone, and it is attached to the hypothalamus by a stalk.
Which part of the pituitary is the anterior pituitary?
The pars distalis of the adenohypophysis is called the anterior pituitary. It secretes GH, PRL, TSH, ACTH, LH and FSH.
What does the pars intermedia secrete?
The pars intermedia secretes MSH (melanocyte stimulating hormone). In humans it is very reduced and almost merged with the pars distalis.
Why is the posterior pituitary not a true endocrine gland?
Because it does not make its own hormones. It only stores and releases oxytocin and vasopressin, which are synthesised in the hypothalamus.
