Which gland is often referred to as the 'master gland'?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The pituitary gland is often referred to as the 'master gland' because it plays a crucial role in regulating other endocrine glands in the body. It secretes hormones that control various bodily functions, such as growth, reproduction, and metabolism. The other choices, thyroid, thymus, and hypothalamus, are important glands as well, but they do not have the same broad control over the endocrine system as the pituitary gland. The thyroid regulates metabolism, thymus is involved in immune function, and hypothalamus regulates body temperature, hunger, and thirst. However, none of these glands have the overall regulatory function and influence on other glands as the pituitary gland does.