Which gland affects body growth, sex, and metabolism?

The pituitary gland plays a crucial role in the body's growth, sexual development, and metabolism. Often referred to as the "master gland," it regulates several important hormonal functions by releasing hormones that influence other glands throughout the endocrine system. For example, it produces growth hormone, which is essential for normal physical growth in children and adolescents. Additionally, the pituitary gland releases hormones such as luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, which are key in regulating the functions of the ovaries and testes, influencing sexual development and reproduction. Its control over the thyroid-stimulating hormone also ties it to metabolism, as it stimulates the thyroid gland to produce hormones that regulate the body's metabolic rate.

In contrast, other glands listed have specific functions but do not govern growth, sex, and metabolism to the same extent as the pituitary gland. The pineal gland primarily regulates sleep patterns through melatonin production, the thyroid gland regulates metabolic processes but is influenced by hormones from the pituitary gland, and the parathyroid gland is involved in calcium regulation and does not directly affect growth or sexual development.