Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Study for the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam. Dive into questions with detailed explanations and hints to enhance your understanding. Prepare strategically for a successful exam experience!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is referred to as the master gland of the endocrine system?

Thyroid gland
Pancreas
Adrenal gland
Pituitary gland

The correct answer is: Pituitary gland

The pituitary gland is often referred to as the master gland of the endocrine system due to its crucial role in regulating and controlling the activity of other endocrine glands throughout the body. It is situated at the base of the brain and produces a variety of hormones that influence growth, metabolism, and the reproductive system. For example, it secretes growth hormone, which is essential for growth and development, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. By releasing these hormones, the pituitary gland helps to orchestrate the function of other glands such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, and gonads (ovaries and testes). This regulatory capability makes it central to maintaining homeostasis and coordinating the body’s response to various physiological demands. While other glands like the thyroid and the pancreas play significant roles in metabolic and metabolic processes, they are regulated by the pituitary, highlighting the latter's authority within the complex interplay of the endocrine system.