Question

The pituitary controls the function of most other endocrine glands and is therefore sometimes called the master gland. In turn, the pituitary is controlled in large part by the hypothalamus. So can we call Hypothalamus a super master endocrine gland? Elaborate.

Answer 1

Hypothalamus contains several groups of neurosecretory cells called nuclei which produces hormones. These hormones regulate the synthesis and secretion of pituitary hormones. It produces two types of hormones. i.e. releasing hormones (that stimulate secretion of pituitary hormones) and inhibiting hormones (that inhibit secretion of pituitary hormones) Pituitary gland secretes the maximum number of hormones. But many hormones secreted from the pituitary gland control the function of other endocrine glands. In fact; all the other endocrine glands are controlled by the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland. Following are some examples:
$$*$$ Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) controls the (Unction of thyroid gland.
$$*$$ Adernocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH) controls the function of adrenal gland.
$$*$$ Luteinizing Hormone (LS) controls the function of gonads.
Hence, pituitary gland is often termed as the "Master Gland'. But the hormones secreted by hypothalamus controls the secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland. Due to this, hypothalamus can be termed as the "Super Master Gland".