Question

The master gland in the human body is:

• A. Pituitary
• B. Parathyroid
• C. Thyroid
• D. Pancreas

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Explanation of the correct answer:

1. The pituitary is a small endocrine gland located below the hypothalamus in the brain.
2. It is called as master gland because its secretion regulates and controls the secretion of other endocrine glands such as thyroid gland, adrenal gland, pancreas etc.
3. For example,it secretes TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone) to stimulate the synthesis of thyroxin from the thyroid gland.

Explanation of the incorrect answers:

Option B:

1. The parathyroid gland releases a parathyroid hormone (PTH).
2. Also known as the parathormone or parathyrine, it is a small peptide that maintains the homeostasis of calcium and phosphate and also aids in bone physiology.
3. It is also stimulated and controlled by the parathyroid stimulating hormone (PTSH) of pituitary.

Option C:

1. The primary function of the thyroid gland is to secrete two hormones, namely, triiodothyronine (T3) hormone and the thyroxine hormone (T4).
2. Both T3 and T4 hormones play a very important role and affect almost every tissue in the body.
3. Pituitary gland secretes TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone) to stimulate the synthesis of thyroxin and triiodothyronine from the thyroid gland.

Option D:

1. The endocrine part of the pancreas comprises Islets of Langerhans that release insulin and glucagon directly into the bloodstream.
2. They help in regulating the blood sugar levels of the body.
3. It is also controlled and regulated by the hormones secreted by the pituitary.

Final answer: The master gland in the human body is pituitary.