Explore the Biological Bases of Behavior Test. Prepare with engaging flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring explanations. Start practicing today!

Multiple Choice

Which gland is known as the master gland and influences other glands?

The pituitary gland acts as the master regulator because it releases hormones that control many other endocrine glands. Its anterior lobe sends trophic hormones such as TSH, ACTH, LH, FSH, GH, and prolactin, which stimulate the thyroid, adrenal cortex, gonads, and various tissues to produce their own hormones. The hypothalamus governs the pituitary by releasing releasing and inhibiting hormones, making the pituitary a central coordinator of hormonal cascades. The posterior pituitary releases ADH and oxytocin, which are made in the hypothalamus but released by the pituitary. So, the pituitary is the key gland that influences other glands.

The pituitary gland acts as the master regulator because it releases hormones that control many other endocrine glands. Its anterior lobe sends trophic hormones such as TSH, ACTH, LH, FSH, GH, and prolactin, which stimulate the thyroid, adrenal cortex, gonads, and various tissues to produce their own hormones. The hypothalamus governs the pituitary by releasing releasing and inhibiting hormones, making the pituitary a central coordinator of hormonal cascades. The posterior pituitary releases ADH and oxytocin, which are made in the hypothalamus but released by the pituitary. So, the pituitary is the key gland that influences other glands.