Endocrine System Archives

Which of the following endocrine glands is not found in pair in humans?

Adrenal

Pituitary

Testis

Ovary

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2020

Most major endocrine glands in the human body are either single structures or paired. Let’s examine the options: Adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney, hence there is a pair. Testes are the male gonads, typically a pair. Ovaries are the female gonads, typically a pair. The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain, inferior to the hypothalamus, and is a single structure.

The pituitary gland is a single endocrine gland responsible for producing and regulating many hormones that control various bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Other unpaired endocrine glands include the pineal gland, hypothalamus (neuroendocrine function), and pancreas (has endocrine and exocrine functions). Paired endocrine glands include the adrenal glands, testes (in males), and ovaries (in females).

The thyroid gland and parathyroid glands are also considered endocrine glands. The thyroid gland is typically a single, bilobed structure, but functionally it can be seen as a single unit. The parathyroid glands are typically four small glands, usually found in pairs on the back of the thyroid.

Which one of the following hormones contains peptide chain?

Oxytocin

Corticotropin

Insulin

Cortisone

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2016

Download PDF Attempt Online

Insulin is a hormone that contains peptide chains.

– Hormones can be classified based on their chemical structure, including peptide/protein hormones, steroid hormones, and amino acid derivatives.
– Oxytocin is a peptide hormone (specifically, a nonapeptide).
– Corticotropin (ACTH) is a peptide hormone (a polypeptide of 39 amino acids).
– Insulin is a protein hormone composed of two polypeptide chains linked by disulfide bonds.
– Cortisone is a steroid hormone, derived from cholesterol.

While Oxytocin and Corticotropin are also peptide hormones, Insulin is a very prominent example of a protein hormone with peptide chains and is often used as a representative example in biochemistry. Given that the question asks for “Which *one* of the following”, and options A, B, and C are all peptide/protein hormones while D is a steroid, it suggests the question intends to identify one among the choices that fits the description, distinguishing it from non-peptide types. All A, B, C fit, making the question potentially flawed if only one answer is strictly correct. However, in such a context, selecting a well-known example of a larger protein hormone like Insulin is a common pattern.

11. Which of the following endocrine glands is not found in pair in

12. Which one of the following hormones contains peptide chain?