The release of hormones synthesized in the anterior gland is controlled by hypothalamic
tropic hormones. The hypothalamic releasing and inhibiting hormones are secreted by
neurosecretory cells into a capillary network within the hypothalamus. These capillaries
drain into portal vessels that connect with a second capillary network in the anterior
pituitary. Each hormone made in the anterior pituitary is secreted in response to a specific
releasing hormone.