<P> The median eminence is only occasionally included as part of the posterior pituitary . Other sources specifically exclude it from the pituitary . </P> <P> A few sources include the pars intermedia as part of the posterior lobe, but this is a minority view . It is based upon the gross anatomical separation of the posterior and anterior pituitary along the cystic remnants of Rathke's pouch, causing the pars intermedia to remain attached to the neurohypophysis . </P> <P> Two hormones are classically considered as being related to the posterior pituitary: oxytocin and vasopressin . These hormones are created in the hypothalamus and released in the posterior pituitary . After creation, they are stored in neurosecretory vesicles regrouped into Herring bodies before being secreted in the posterior pituitary via the bloodstream . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Th> Hormone </Th> <Th> Other names </Th> <Th> Symbol (s) </Th> <Th> Main targets </Th> <Th> Effect </Th> <Th> Source </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> Oxytocin </Td> <Td> </Td> <Td> OT </Td> <Td> Uterus, mammary glands </Td> <Td> Uterine contractions; lactation </Td> <Td> supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> Vasopressin </Td> <Td> Antidiuretic hormone </Td> <Td> VP, AVP, ADH </Td> <Td> Kidneys and arterioles </Td> <Td> Stimulates water retention; raises blood pressure by contracting arterioles </Td> <Td> supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei </Td> </Tr> </Table>

The hypothalamus regulates the release of hormones from the pituitary gland