Question

The smallest endocrine gland is

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

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Parathyroid

The correct answer is B.

Explanation for correct answer:

1. The parathyroid gland is located behind the thyroid gland in the neck.
2. It is a set of four glands the size of rice grains.
3. It releases the parathyroid hormone
4. It regulates the release of calcium in the body by releasing it from bones and intestines.

Explanation for incorrect option:

Option A:

Located in the neck, it releases thyroxine which plays a vital role in digestion and brain development.

Option C:

1. The pituitary gland is attached to the hypothalamus and located in the brain.
2. Also called the master gland, it regulates the functioning and release of other endocrine glands.

Option D:

1. These are a pair of glands located on top of the kidneys.
2. It secretes adrenaline also called the emergency hormone which helps in tackling flight-fright response.

Final answer:

Hence, the parathyroid gland is the smallest endocrine gland among the options.