PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
PSC Miscellaneous Prelims 2018
Answer
Liver
Explanation
The liver is the largest gland, as well as the largest internal organ, in the human body. Located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, an adult human liver weighs about 1.5 kg. It is an exocrine gland that secretes bile, which is essential for the digestion and absorption of fats. By contrast, the thyroid is the largest endocrine gland, and the pancreas acts as a mixed gland (both endocrine and exocrine).
Key Points
- > The liver is the largest gland and largest internal organ in humans.
- > It produces bile juice, which is stored in the gallbladder.
- > The liver produces Heparin, an anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting inside vessels.
- > The thyroid is the largest endocrine (ductless) gland.
- > The pituitary gland is known as the 'Master Gland' of the body.
- > The pancreas is a mixed gland, secreting both digestive enzymes and hormones (insulin).
- > The pineal gland is the smallest gland in the human body.
Additional Information
- >## Important Human Glands and Features\n\n| Gland Name | Type | Key Feature / Function |\n|---|---|---|\n| Liver | Exocrine | Largest gland
- > secretes bile juice |\n| Thyroid | Endocrine | Largest endocrine gland
- > regulates metabolism |\n| Pancreas | Mixed Gland | Secretes both insulin (hormone) and digestive enzymes |\n| Pituitary | Endocrine | Master gland
- > controls other endocrine glands |\n\n### Memory Tips\n- **The L connection**: **L**argest gland is the **L**iver. Note the distinction: if asked for the largest *endocrine* gland specifically, the answer changes to Thyroid.