Gland
Infundibulum (pituitary stalk)
Neural and vascular connection between hypothalamus and pituitary
High-yield
A stalk lesion can disturb two different routes: axonal hormone transport to the posterior lobe and vascular communication with the anterior lobe.
Overview
The infundibular stalk descends from the hypothalamic floor to the pituitary through the diaphragma sellae. Hypothalamic axons run within it toward the posterior lobe, while portal vessels carry regulatory factors to the anterior lobe. Adenohypophyseal pars tuberalis surrounds part of this connection.
Reference facts
- Location
- Between the median eminence and pituitary gland, passing through the sellar diaphragm; its relation to the optic chiasm varies.
- Hormones
- Transports vasopressin and oxytocin in axons, and hypothalamic regulatory factors in portal blood.
- Blood supply
- Superior hypophyseal branches supply the upper stalk; lower connections include the inferior hypophyseal vascular network.
- Innervation
- Contains hypothalamic neurosecretory axons, including fibers from the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei.
- Function
- Maintains the principal neural and vascular communication between hypothalamus and pituitary.
Clinical correlation
Injury or infiltration can cause anterior hormone deficits, elevated prolactin or arginine vasopressin deficiency. A thickened stalk on MRI has several possible causes; its appearance alone does not identify a particular tumor or inflammatory disorder.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the infundibulum (pituitary stalk) located?
Between the median eminence and pituitary gland, passing through the sellar diaphragm; its relation to the optic chiasm varies.
What does the infundibulum (pituitary stalk) secrete?
The infundibulum (pituitary stalk) secretes transports vasopressin and oxytocin in axons, and hypothalamic regulatory factors in portal blood.
What does the infundibulum (pituitary stalk) do?
Maintains the principal neural and vascular communication between hypothalamus and pituitary.
What is the blood supply of the infundibulum (pituitary stalk)?
Superior hypophyseal branches supply the upper stalk; lower connections include the inferior hypophyseal vascular network.