Which gland in the human endocrine system is known as the 'master gland' because it regulates the secretory activity of several other endocrine glands?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The pituitary gland is often termed the master gland because it secretes multiple tropic hormones that regulate the functional activity of other endocrine organs such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, and gonads. The pancreas functions primarily as a mixed gland producing digestive enzymes and blood-sugar regulating hormones like insulin, rather than controlling other endocrine glands. The pituitary gland itself is regulated by neurosecretory hormones released from the adjacent hypothalamus in the brain.