If the pituitary gland of an adult rat is surgically removed, which of the following endocrine glands will be less affected ?

Options

A. Adrenal cortex
B. Adrenal medulla
C. Thyroid
D. Gonads

Answer

To solve the question regarding the effects of the surgical removal of the pituitary gland on various endocrine glands in an adult rat, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Role of the Pituitary Gland**:
The pituitary gland is often referred to as the "master gland" of the endocrine system. It regulates and stimulates the function of other endocrine glands by releasing specific hormones.

2. **Identify the Endocrine Glands Listed**:
The options provided are:
- Adrenal Cortex
- Adrenal Medulla
- Thyroid
- Gonads

3. **Analyze the Function of Each Gland**:
- **Adrenal Cortex**: Produces hormones like cortisol and aldosterone, which are regulated by the pituitary gland.
- **Adrenal Medulla**: Produces adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are released in response to stress and do not require stimulation from the pituitary gland.
- **Thyroid**: Produces thyroxine, which is also regulated by the pituitary gland.
- **Gonads**: Produce sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) that are influenced by hormones from the pituitary gland.

4. **Determine Which Gland is Least Affected**:
- Since the adrenal medulla can secrete its hormones (adrenaline and noradrenaline) independently of the pituitary gland, it will be less affected by the removal of the pituitary gland compared to the other glands, which rely on the pituitary for hormone regulation.

5. **Conclusion**:
The adrenal medulla is the gland that will be least affected by the surgical removal of the pituitary gland.

### Final Answer:
The correct answer is **Adrenal Medulla**.

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