Question

Why is pituitary gland called ‘master gland’?

Answer 1

Hint: There are so many hormones acting in our body which are responsible for growth, reproduction etc., they are the peptides which control the body. They are found in the bloodstream. There is a master gland that will single-handedly control all the hormones essential for existence.

Complete answer:
Our body has various proteins called hormones, which regulate the system in our body. They help to maintain metabolism in order. There are various glands in our body which secrete the hormones in the bloodstream. They can either pour them via ducts or can simply flush in the region. The glands releasing their hormones directly into the blood are endocrine glands whereas the glands which use ducts to pass the hormones are the exocrine glands.

One such endocrine gland is the pituitary gland. It is a pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. It weighs not more than 1 g. It has three divided parts.

The anterior pituitary is the area that will regulate and maintain physiological processes which means stress, growth, lactation etc. the intermediate part synthesizes melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The posterior part is connected to the hypothalamus via a pituitary stalk.

Let us know Why it is called master gland?
Master gland means it operates some of the major functions in our body without which coordination in our system is not possible. It controls the other endocrine glands. It produces hormones which will control our body and the other glands. Growth, reproduction etc are regulated by the pituitary gland. The gonadotropins, oxytocins, and growth factors are all secreted by this gland.

Note: It forms the central regulatory gland for the hormones. A person cannot survive efficiently if the pituitary gland is not working. It controls the thyroid gland. Anyone suffering from this will have headaches, muscle fatigue, loss of libido, weight gain etc.