What is the anatomical relationship between the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary?

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Structures**: The hypothalamus is a small region located in the forebrain, and it plays a crucial role in connecting the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland.

2. **Connection to the Anterior Pituitary**: The anterior pituitary gland is connected to the hypothalamus through a specialized network of blood vessels known as the hypothalamic-pituitary portal circulation.

3. **Hypothalamic Neurons**: The hypothalamus contains neurons that produce releasing and inhibiting hormones. These hormones travel through the portal circulation to the anterior pituitary gland.

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