MCQ Detailed View

The pituitary gland is known as the master gland of the human body because it controls and regulates the activity of most other endocrine glands. It is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain, just below the hypothalamus. Despite its small size, it has a major role in maintaining hormonal balance and overall body functions.The pituitary gland is divided into two main parts:

1. 
   

   Anterior lobe (front part) – It produces and releases hormones that regulate the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, reproductive organs, and growth. Examples include growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH).

   
   


2. 
   

   Posterior lobe (back part) – It stores and releases hormones made by the hypothalamus, such as antidiuretic hormone (ADH) for water balance and oxytocin for childbirth and lactation.

   
   

Because of its ability to control other hormone-producing glands, the pituitary gland acts like a central command center for the endocrine system. If the pituitary gland stops functioning properly, it can disrupt many vital processes, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, stress response, and water balance.

Other glands listed in the options have specific functions:

• 
  

  Pancreas: Controls blood sugar by producing insulin and glucagon.

  
  


• 
  

  Thyroid gland: Regulates metabolism and energy use.

  
  


• 
  

  Spleen: Part of the immune system, not an endocrine gland.

  
  

In summary, the pituitary gland is correctly called the master gland because it regulates most other endocrine glands and influences many important body functions through the hormones it produces.