UPSC Prelims 1997 · General Studies
Question 117: Science and Technology
The pituitary gland by virtue of its tropic hormones controls the secretory activity of other endocrine glands. Which one of the following endocrine glands can function independent of the pituitary gland?
AnswerThe answer is (d).
The pituitary's tropic hormones control the thyroid (TSH), the adrenal cortex (ACTH) and the gonads (FSH and LH). The parathyroid glands are not under pituitary control: they respond directly to the level of calcium in the blood, releasing parathyroid hormone when calcium falls.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) The thyroid is stimulated by TSH from the pituitary.
- (b) The gonads are stimulated by FSH and LH from the pituitary.
- (c) The adrenal cortex is stimulated by ACTH from the pituitary.
- (d) Right: the parathyroid responds to blood calcium and works without the pituitary.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1997, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.