Which gland is located in the head and controls how we grow?

Which gland is located in the head and controls how we grow?

• A. Thyroid Gland
• B. Pituitary Gland
• C. Pancreas
• D. Adrenal Glands

Answer: (B)

Growth is mainly controlled by a hormone from the pituitary gland, which sits at the base of the brain in the head. This gland releases growth hormone, signaling bones and muscles to grow and stimulating the liver to produce IGF-1, a key factor that promotes bone lengthening and tissue development. Because of its wide-reaching influence on many other hormones, the pituitary is often called the master gland. The other glands listed aren’t in the head: the thyroid is in the neck and affects metabolism and growth more indirectly; the pancreas and adrenal glands are in the abdomen and atop the kidneys, respectively. So the gland located in the head that primarily controls how we grow is the pituitary gland.

Growth is mainly controlled by a hormone from the pituitary gland, which sits at the base of the brain in the head. This gland releases growth hormone, signaling bones and muscles to grow and stimulating the liver to produce IGF-1, a key factor that promotes bone lengthening and tissue development. Because of its wide-reaching influence on many other hormones, the pituitary is often called the master gland. The other glands listed aren’t in the head: the thyroid is in the neck and affects metabolism and growth more indirectly; the pancreas and adrenal glands are in the abdomen and atop the kidneys, respectively. So the gland located in the head that primarily controls how we grow is the pituitary gland.