Neurohypophysis (pars nervosa) also known as posterior pituitary, stores and releases two hormones called oxytocin and vasopressin, which are actually synthesized by the hypothalamus and are transported axonally to the neurohypophysis. Vasopressin acts mainly at the kidney and stimulates the reabsorption of water and electrolytes by the distal tubules and thereby reduces the loss of water through urine (diuresis). Hence, it is also called an anti-diuretic hormone (ADH).