Why is the anterior pituitary called the master gland?

Answer 1

An endocrine gland is any organ that secretes chemicals (called hormones) into the blood. The hypothalamus releases several hormones, including corticotropin-releasing hormone, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, oxytocin, antidiuretic hormone, and a bunch of others. Because many of these hormones regulate the activity of the pituitary gland, which is often called the master regulator of the endocrine system, the hypothalamus is often considered the ultimate regulator of the endocrine system.

Answer 2

it sends messages to and from the brain. It secretes hormones that control the pituitary gland which secrete the hormones that control the endrocrine glands. Thus, the reason the pituitary gland was thought to be the "master gland".

Answer 3

Looking from the embryonic development of the pituitary gland secretion of hormones from the anterior pituitary gland is under strict control of the hypothalamic hormones. The hypothalamus releases releasing and inhibiting hormones to the anterior lobe where they stimulate or inhibit hormone secretion. With out these hormones the anterior pituitary couldn't modify its synthesis and secretion of the above hormones so the anterior pituitary gland is the main controller of the endocrine system in the analogy of the hypothalamus being the conductor of the endocrine orchestra. Furthermore argument is the neurosecretory cells, that originated in the hypothalamus, extended down into the posterior pituitary and releases oxytocin(OT) and antidiuretic hormones(ADH).Without the neurosecretory cells these hormones couldn't be produced. Therefore the pituitary gland might be the "Master Gland" but the power behind it is clearly the hypothalamus.

Answer 4

The pituitary gland is the master gland. However, many glands work together. The hypothalamus is a portion of the brain that contains a number of small nuclei with a variety of functions. One of the most important functions of the hypothalamus is to link the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland.

Answer 5

The Pituitary Gland is considered the "master gland"

thanks, Sarah

The Pituitary Gland can be divided into the Anterior and Posterior Pituitary Glands. Of those two, the Anterior Pituitary Gland is the one that is called the 'Master Endocrine Gland' (Jenn)

Answer 6

The hypothalamus is sometimes called the master endocrine gland because it controls the section of many hormones by the endocrine system. It does this by causing the posterior pituitary gland to secrete oxitocin and vasopressin (ADH), and by sending releasing hormones to the anterior pituitary gland, causing the release of anterior pituitary hormones. These hormones then cause secretion of hormones from other endocrine glands. The hypothalamus also sends information to the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Outputs from the two parts of the ANS, the sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system, can then effect the release of hormones by endocrine glands.

Answer 7

The pituitary gland is often called that as it controls all of the other glands but i have never heard it said of the hypothalamus

Answer 8

pituitary gland

Answer 9

pituitary gland

Answer 10

Hypothalamus