Question

The primary target of the hormones of hypothalamus is:
a. Pineal gland
b. Thymus
c. Pituitary gland
d. Testis

Answer 1

Hint: Hypothalamus is a small part of the brain which is located below the thalamus. It controls numerous functions of the body including release of hormones, response to stimulus, control of food intake or appetite and fear processing.

Complete answer:
Hypothalamus is a portion of the brain containing numerous small nuclei (collection of nerve cells) which perform various functions. One of the foremost functions of hypothalamus is to link the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland.

> Pineal gland is a small pea sized endocrine gland that is present in the brain. Since its functions are not clearly known, it is known to produce and secrete hormones such as melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone which is usually responsible for regulating the sleep cycle of the body. It also plays a role in regulating female hormone levels in fertility and during menstrual cycles.

> Thymus is a gland located beneath the breastbone. It is a part of the lymphatic system of the body or specifically, the primary lymphoid organ of the body. It plays a major role in formation of T-lymphocyte cells. Lymphocytes are the immune cells that destroy the infected cells of the body.

> Testis is the male reproductive organ which is responsible for producing male gametes that are sperms. Testes also act as a gland and secrete male hormones called testosterone. The release of testosterone is controlled by the pituitary gland. Testosterone develops the male reproductive organs and secondary male characters in males during puberty.

> The pituitary gland is a gland present underneath the brain in a hollow cavity called as Sella turcica. It is also called a master gland. It is a small spherical gland which has two parts anterior pituitary and posterior pituitary. Posterior pituitary is the part of the brain which secretes its hormones directly in the blood stream while anterior pituitary is directly attached to the brain. The whole functioning or activity of the pituitary gland is controlled by hypothalamus.

Therefore, the hypothalamic hormones reach the pituitary gland and control the functioning of pituitary gland which includes the production of sex hormones, growth hormones, thyroid stimulating hormones etc.

Hence, The correct answer is option (C).

Note: The hypothalamus controls almost every functioning of the body. The disorder in hypothalamus can lead to severe dysfunction of the body. The hypothalamus directly does not control the functioning of the various organs of the body, but it indirectly influences the proper working of all systems.