Question

An endocrine gland that atrophies at the age of 14 - 16 years is

• A. Thyroid
• B. Thymus
• C. Pancreas
• D. Spleen

Answer 1

The correct option is B Thymus

A. Thyroid gland is situated between the trachea and larynx in the neck and secretes thyroxine hormone which increases oxygen consumption by metabolically active tissues.

B. Thymus gland secretes thymosin hormone which plays an important role in the differentiation of T-lymphocytes. This gland shows maximum development in children at the time of puberty (10-14 years) and after that it starts decreasing in size.

C. Pancreas is a heterocrine gland as it acts both as endocrine and exocrine gland. It secretes insulin hormone into blood and act as endocrine gland and when it secretes digestive enzymes and juice through pancreatic duct, it acts as exocrine gland.

D. Spleen is a organ of immune system which produces blood cells.

So, the correct answer is 'Thymus'.