Question

Which one of the following pair of organs include only endocrine glands ?

• A. Thymus and testes
• B. Adrenal and ovary
• C. Parathyroid and adrenal
• D. Pancreas and parathyroid

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To determine which pair of organs includes only endocrine glands, we need to understand the function of each organ listed in the options and identify whether they are endocrine glands.

Endocrine Glands: Endocrine glands are ductless glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones regulate various body functions.

1. Thymus and Testes:
   • Thymus: The thymus is an endocrine gland that produces thymosin, which is involved in the development of T-cells for the immune system.
   • Testes: The testes are primarily reproductive organs that produce sperm and also function as endocrine glands by secreting testosterone.

   Conclusion: As they include a reproductive organ (testes), this pair does not consist of only endocrine glands.

2. Adrenal and Ovary:
   • Adrenal Glands: These are endocrine glands that produce hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline.
   • Ovaries: Primarily reproductive organs, the ovaries also act as endocrine glands by secreting estrogen and progesterone.

   Conclusion: This pair includes a reproductive organ (ovary), so it does not consist of only endocrine glands.

3. Parathyroid and Adrenal:
   • Parathyroid Glands: These are small endocrine glands located in the neck behind the thyroid gland, producing parathyroid hormone (PTH) for calcium regulation.
   • Adrenal Glands: As mentioned, these are true endocrine glands producing various hormones.

   Conclusion: Both are strictly endocrine glands.

4. Pancreas and Parathyroid:
   • Pancreas: Primarily an exocrine gland involved in digestion, the pancreas also has an endocrine function through the Islets of Langerhans, which produce insulin and glucagon.
   • Parathyroid Glands: As discussed, these are endocrine glands.

   Conclusion: As the pancreas has exocrine functions, this pair does not consist of only endocrine glands.

Correct Answer: The pair that includes only endocrine glands is Parathyroid and Adrenal.