The Human Pituitary Gland (pg 3) Return to PCS 1 Internet Links Return to Class Notes Panel Figures Index Click on graphic below to visit a useful website on the Enodcrine System. The Anterior pituitary gland receives hormones from the hypothalamus via the Pituitary Portal blood vessels.  Most blood vessels leaving a tissue send blood to the venous side of the circulation which then takes the blood to the heart and lungs before it is sent to another tissue.  The only exception to this rule is the portal blood vessel which takes blood from one tissue to another without passing the blood to the heart.  The pituitary portal system carries hypothalamic neurohormones from neurons in the hypothalamus.  The blood flows down the stalk to the Anterior Pituitary at which the hypothalamic hormones change the rate at which Anterior Pituitary hormones are released. Source: On-Line Bio Book, Endocrine System Chapter Where does the pituitary sit in the brain? Click HERE How does the Posterior Pituitary work?Click HERE Return to the Top