Question
Which of the following is the largest gland in an adult man?
Thymus
Liver
Thyroid
Pancreas
Solution
B.
Liver
| Liver | Thyroid Gland | Pancreas | Thymus gland |
| Endodermal in origin | Length- 3 to 7 cm; Weight- 25gms | Length- 12- 15 cms; Weight- 50- 70 gm | Weight- at birth- 10 to 12 gms; at puberty- 20 to 30 gms; at old age- 3 to 6 gms |
| Largest gland in human body | Largest endocrine gland | Heterocrine (mixed) gland | Has immunological functions |
| Secretes bile which is used in the emulsification and absorption of fats. | Location- below larynx | Hormones secreted are insulin, glucagon and somatostatin | After puberty it is not clearly visible. |
| Produces heparin, plasma protein (albumin, fibrinogen and prothrombin) etc. | Produces thyroxine (T4)- controlsbasal metabolic rate of the body |
