infundíbulo

An infundibulum is a funnel-shaped cavity or structure in anatomy and botany. In human anatomy, the term most commonly refers to the infundibulum of the pituitary gland, a stalk that connects the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus. This infundibulum contains the hypophyseal portal system and the axons of neurosecretory cells that release hormones into the bloodstream. Another anatomical infundibulum is found in the lungs, where it refers to a funnel-shaped opening of an alveolar duct into an alveolar sac.

In botany, an infundibulum describes a funnel-shaped structure, such as the corolla of certain flowers or the opening of a sporangium. The shape is often important for its biological function, whether it be channeling fluids, facilitating pollination, or enclosing reproductive structures. The term originates from the Latin word for a funnel. Variations in infundibular morphology can be significant in taxonomic classification and understanding physiological processes. The presence and specific form of an infundibulum can be a key characteristic for identifying different species or understanding the anatomy of a particular organism.