Which of the following structures connects the hypothalamus and the adenohypophysis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Portal capillaries. The hypothalamus and adenohypophysis are connected by a system of blood vessels called the hypothalamic-pituitary portal system, which includes portal capillaries. These capillaries carry releasing and inhibiting hormones from the hypothalamus to the adenohypophysis to regulate the secretion of pituitary hormones. The other choices are incorrect because:
A: Islets of Langerhans are clusters of cells in the pancreas involved in insulin and glucagon production, not connected to the hypothalamus or adenohypophysis.
C: The corpus callosum is a structure that connects the two cerebral hemispheres and is not related to the hypothalamus or adenohypophysis.
D: The medulla oblongata is part of the brainstem responsible for autonomic functions and is not involved in connecting the hypothalamus and adenohypophysis.