The endocrine gland often described as the master gland of the body is the:

1. The **pituitary gland** controls many other endocrine glands by secreting trophic hormones. 2. It directs the thyroid, adrenal cortex and gonads to release their own hormones. 3. For this regulatory role it is called the **master gland**. 4. The thyroid, adrenal and pancreas are themselves under pituitary control. _Source: Selina Concise ICSE Class 8 Biology Ch 5 "Endocrine System and Adolescence", Major endocrine glands_