Portal blood vessels connect the ________ to the _____

Options

A. Hypothalamus, brain
B. Hypothalamus, posterior pituitary
C. Hypothalamus, anterior pituitary
D. Anterior pituitary, posterior pituitary

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the connection made by portal blood vessels in the human body. Specifically, it is looking for the two structures that are connected by these vessels.

2. **Identifying the Portal System**: In humans, one of the most important portal systems is the hypophyseal portal system, which involves the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.

3. **Defining the Structures**:
- The **hypothalamus** is a region of the brain that plays a crucial role in hormone regulation and homeostasis.
- The **pituitary gland** is divided into two parts: the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary. The anterior pituitary is particularly important for hormone secretion.

4. **Understanding the Connection**: The portal blood vessels, specifically the hypophyseal portal veins, connect the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary. This connection allows hormones produced in the hypothalamus to be transported directly to the anterior pituitary for regulation of various bodily functions.

5. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the portal blood vessels connect the **hypothalamus** to the **anterior pituitary**.

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