AQA · GCSE · Combined Science
Course version: 8464 · Version from Sept 2018
The pituitary gland in the brain is a ‘master gland’ which secretes…
Full specification wording
Human endocrine system: The pituitary gland in the brain is a ‘master gland’ which secretes several hormones into the blood in response to body conditions. These hormones in turn act on other glands to stimulate other hormones to be released to bring about effects.
The pituitary gland sits at the base of the brain and is called the ‘master gland’ because it coordinates much of the endocrine system.
Checked against the AQA 8464 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 10
- 2 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The pituitary gland sits at the base of the brain and is called the ‘master gland’ because it coordinates much of the endocrine system. It detects body conditions and secretes hormones into the blood. These hormones travel to other glands, such as the thyroid, adrenal glands and gonads, and stimulate them to release their own hormones, which then produce effects in target organs. For example, thyroid-stimulating hormone from the pituitary causes the thyroid to release thyroxine, which raises metabolic rate. Because the pituitary responds to changing conditions and controls other glands, it acts as a central coordinator for hormonal responses.
What earns the marks
- States that the pituitary gland is located in the brain and is known as the ‘master gland’.
- Explains that the pituitary secretes hormones into the blood in response to body conditions.
- Describes how pituitary hormones act on other glands, such as the thyroid, adrenal glands or gonads.
- Explains that stimulation of other glands causes them to release their own hormones, which bring about effects.
- Uses a named example, such as thyroid-stimulating hormone acting on the thyroid to release thyroxine.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Thinking the pituitary gland directly produces all the body’s hormones.
Put it right: It releases hormones that stimulate other glands to release theirs.
Confusing the pituitary with the pancreas or thyroid.
Put it right: The pituitary is in the brain and acts as a master gland, while the pancreas and thyroid are separate glands. The pancreas responds directly to blood glucose, not to pituitary hormones.
Believing hormones travel along nerves.
Put it right: Hormones are secreted into the blood and carried in the bloodstream.
Exam tips
- Link the pituitary to a specific example, such as thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroxine, to show understanding of the chain of control.
- Use the phrase ‘in response to body conditions’ to explain why the pituitary is described as a master gland.
- When describing hormonal control, always state the gland that releases the hormone, the target gland or organ, and the effect produced.
Try the lesson
The start of the Human endocrine system: The pituitary gland in the brain is a ‘master gland’ which secretes several hormones into the blood in response to body conditions. These hormones in turn act on other glands to stimulate other hormones to be released to bring about effects. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which gland is often called the ‘master gland’ because it secretes hormones that act on other glands?
Listen
The pituitary gland sits at the base of the brain and is called the ‘master gland’ because it coordinates much of the endocrine system. It detects body conditions and secretes hormones into the blood. These hormones travel to other glands, such as the thyroid, adrenal glands and gonads, and stimulate them to release their own hormones, which then produce effects in target organs. For example, thyroid-stimulating hormone from the pituitary causes the thyroid to release thyroxine, which raises metabolic rate. Because the pituitary responds to changing conditions and controls other glands, it acts as a central coordinator for hormonal responses. A strong answer earns marks for these points. States that the pituitary gland is located in the brain and is known as the ‘master gland’. Explains that the pituitary secretes hormones into the blood in response to body conditions. Describes how pituitary hormones act on other glands, such as the thyroid, adrenal glands or gonads. Explains that stimulation of other glands causes them to release their own hormones, which bring about effects. A common slip: Thinking the pituitary gland directly produces all the body’s hormones. Instead, it releases hormones that stimulate other glands to release theirs. Exam tip: Link the pituitary to a specific example, such as thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroxine, to show understanding of the chain of control.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Master gland
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Pituitary gland
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Master gland
- The pituitary gland in the brain is called this because it secretes several hormones into the blood in response to body conditions.
- Pituitary gland
- A gland in the brain which secretes several hormones into the blood in response to body conditions, and whose hormones act on other glands.
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