Question

The pituitary is the master gland that controls the activity of other endocrine glands by secreting tropic hormones. Choose the endocrine gland which functions independent of the pituitary.

• A. Thyroid
• B. Gonads
  
• C. Adrenals
  
• D. Parathyroid

Answer 1

The correct option is D Parathyroid

The pituitary gland is considered as the master gland as it produces hormones which can influence the activities of other endocrine glands. There are two parts of pituitary glands:

• Posterior pituitary: releases vasopressin and oxytocin
• Anterior pituitary: produces stimulating hormones

The endocrine gland along with its tropic hormones released by anterior pituitary are given below:

• Thyroid: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
• Gonads: Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
• Adrenal: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

Parathyroid is present behind the thyroid and releases Parathyroid hormone or Parathormone or Collip's hormone. It doesn't need stimulation from any hormone from pituitary and its secretion is dependent on ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{2+}$ ion concentration. When the concentration decreases below the normal level, parathyroid gland releases parathormone.