Question

What is the largest endocrine gland?

Answer 1

Hint: Endocrine glands are ductless glands that pour their secretions, hormones, directly into the blood. Some of the examples of endocrine gland are pituitary gland, hypothalamus, thyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testis etc. They secrete hormones that are chemical messengers that bring about changes in biological functions.

Complete answer:
The largest endocrine gland in the human body is the Thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a vital hormone gland which plays an important role in the metabolism, growth and development of the human body. It constantly releases a significant amount of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream.
This organ is present at the front of the neck, under the larynx. It is a butterfly-shaped gland with the two side lobes lying against and around the trachea, and are connected at the front by a narrow strip of tissue.
It produces three hormones i.e. Triiodothyronine (T3) Tetraiodothyronine (T4), Calcitonin.
Iodine is mainly needed for formation of T3 and T4 hormones. Iodine is absorbed into the blood from food we eat. Any deficiency in iodine causes hypothyroidism. Both the hormones increase the basal metabolic rate (BMR).
Our bodies need more thyroid hormone in conditions like pregnancy etc and sometimes we need less amounts of the hormone. The pituitary gland tells the thyroid gland about the amount of hormone secreted into the bloodstream. Also, some amount of thyroid hormones are attached to transport proteins in the blood like albumin.
The third hormone produced by the thyroid gland is called calcitonin which is made by C-cells. It is involved in calcium metabolism.

Note:
The largest gland of the body is the Liver but the largest endocrine gland is the thyroid gland.
Any deficiency in the hormone causes drastic changes in lifestyle. Some defects- goitre and cretinism. iodine deficiency is the major cause of hypothyroidism which can be either by dietary deficiency or by living in hilly areas as rivers wash away the nutrients.