Question

The largest endocrine gland is
A. Adrenal
B. Thyroid
C. Thymus
D. Pituitary

Answer 1

Hint:- Endocrine glands are ductless glands which produce hormones and secretes into the blood. Hormones are the chemical coordinators of our body. It maintains the equilibrium of our system along with the neural system. The major endocrine glands in human beings are the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, thymus, adrenal gonads etc.

Complete Answer:- The thyroid gland is situated wrapped around the front of the trachea behind the larynx. It originates as an evagination from the floor of the pharynx. It has two lobes, the right and the left. They are connected by the thyroid isthmus.
The thyroid gland produces three hormones thyroxine , triiodothyronine and calcitonin for thyrocalcitonin (TCT). Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroxine and triad of thyronorm. T3 and T4 are synthesized by the iodination and condensation of amino acid tyrosine. They are bound in peptide linkage and restored within the follicles of the thyroid gland. The thyroid hormones play a major role in increasing the metabolic rate, oxygen consumption by the cells, gastrointestinal absorption of glucose. These hormones influence the production of heat in the body, level of cholesterol circulating in the body. Normal growth and development of our body are maintained by thyroid hormones. Thyroid function is maintained by another hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) secreted by the pituitary gland.
Adrenal glands are situated on the poles of the Kidneys. They are made up of the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla. The adrenal cortex secretes glucocorticoids mineralocorticoids and sex corticoids. The hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine are secreted by the adrenal medulla.
The thymus gland lies in the anterior part of the Thorax. The size of the X and varies with age. It consists of two unequal pyramidal lobes composed of many follicles. They produce a group of hormones collectively called thymosin and thymine.
Pituitary gland or hypophysis is located at the base of the brain. It is divided into adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis. Hormones of adenohypophysis are stimulating hormones and hormones of the neurohypophysis are oxytocin and vasopressin.

**The correct answer is thyroid, option (B).

**

Note:- The hypersecretion and hyposecretion of thyroxine and triiodothyronine produce many disorders depending upon the age and level of hormone. Thyroid gland disorders are cretinism, myxoedema Grave’s disease etc. Cretinism occurs in an infant due to hypothyroidism. Myxoedema or Gull's disease oculus in an adult due to the hyposecretion of thyroid hormone. Graves disease is due to the hypersecretion of thyroid hormones.