Examine the posterior pituitary on and identify parts of the microvasculature, non-myelinated axons, and the support cells called pituicytes. The non-myelinated axons present are difficult to see without special stains.

Clinical note: Diabetes insipidus is a disorder in which the neurohypophysis fails to secrete vasopressin/antidiuretic hormone in response to normal stimuli. The disorder involves excessive thirst, excessive water intake, and excessive urination and can be treated by injection of vasopressin or similar drugs.

Pineal gland -- small neurosecretory organ in brain with axons communicating to other parts of the brain. The pineal is a photoreceptor organ in primitive vertebrates.

“Pineal sand’ has medical relevance because radiologists find that it is a good marker of the brain’s midline.

Next is the adrenal gland.