supraoptic nucleus

The supraoptic nucleus (SON) contains neurosecretory cells that produce hormones (oxytocin and vasopressin/antidiuretic hormone).

Gross anatomy

The supraoptic nucleus is found in the medial area of the anterior hypothalamus, sitting superior to the optic tract .

The hormones travel down the axons of the neurosecretory neurons, which form the supraopticohypophyseal tract, and are finally released in the posterior pituitary gland.

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