Which gland is often called the master gland?

• A. Pituitary gland
• B. Gonads
• C. Parathyroid
• D. Adrenal glands

Answer: (A)

The pituitary gland is called the master gland because it releases hormones that regulate the activity of several other endocrine glands throughout the body. Its anterior lobe produces hormones such as ACTH, TSH, LH, FSH, GH, and prolactin, which stimulate the adrenal cortex, thyroid, gonads, and mammary tissue, respectively. The posterior lobe releases vasopressin and oxytocin, which are produced in the hypothalamus and stored there for release. Through these hormones, the pituitary coordinates growth, metabolism, reproduction, and more, acting as a central regulator of the endocrine system. Other glands—the gonads, parathyroids, and adrenal glands—have important local roles, but they don’t regulate a broad network of other glands the way the pituitary does.