Objective 5: Is the hypothalamus a true endocrine gland

This question was asked in class one day and half of the class thought the hypothalamus is not considered a endocrine gland and half believed that it is. I was with the latter. I believe the hypothalamus is an endocrine gland because the endocrine system is the second controlling system which influences metabolic activities of cells by means of hormones.  The hypothalamus acts as the helmsman of the endocrine system.  First by releasing and inhibiting hormones control the secretion of hormones by the anterior pituitary.  Secondly, it is supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei makes the hormones ADH and oxytoxin.  The picture above gives you a good lokk at the hypothalamus.