MCQ Detailed View

The gland that secretes Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH) is the pituitary gland. More specifically, ADH is produced by the hypothalamus in the brain but is stored and released into the bloodstream by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland.

ADH, also called vasopressin, plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s water balance and blood pressure. Its main function is to regulate the amount of water that the kidneys reabsorb. When the body is dehydrated, ADH levels rise, causing the kidneys to conserve water by producing less urine. This helps the body retain fluid and prevents excessive water loss. On the other hand, when the body has enough water, ADH secretion decreases, allowing the kidneys to excrete more water as urine.

The pituitary gland is often called the “master gland” of the endocrine system because it regulates the activity of many other glands. Located at the base of the brain, it has two main parts:

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  Anterior pituitary – controls growth, thyroid activity, and reproductive hormones.

  
  


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  Posterior pituitary – stores and releases ADH and oxytocin.

  
  

Looking at the options:

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  Pituitary gland (A) is correct because it releases ADH into the blood.

  
  


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  Pancreas (B) produces insulin and glucagon, hormones involved in blood sugar regulation, not ADH.

  
  


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  Thyroid gland (C) produces thyroxine and calcitonin, which control metabolism and calcium balance.

  
  


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  Parathyroid gland (D) regulates calcium levels through parathyroid hormone (PTH).

  
  

Thus, the correct answer is the pituitary gland, which secretes Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH) to control water balance and prevent dehydration.