Question

The largest gland in the human body is

• A. Adrenal
• B. Liver
• C. Ovary
• D. Pancreas

Hint:

While the skin is the largest organ overall, the liver is the largest internal organ and the largest gland. Always read the question carefully to distinguish between "organ" and "gland".

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the largest gland in the human body. A gland is an organ that produces and releases substances that perform a specific function in the body.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Liver: The liver is a large, reddish-brown organ located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. It weighs about 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) in an average adult. It performs over 500 functions, including bile production (exocrine function) and synthesis of proteins and hormones (endocrine functions). It is the largest internal organ and the largest gland. } \\ \bullet & \text{Pancreas: Functions as both an endocrine (insulin, glucagon) and exocrine (digestive enzymes) gland, but is much smaller than the liver. } \\ \bullet & \text{Adrenal glands: Small glands located on top of the kidneys. } \\ \bullet & \text{Ovary: Female reproductive gland, relatively small. } \\ \end{array}\] By mass and volume, the liver is by far the largest gland in the human body.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The liver is the largest gland in the human body.