All the following are endocrine glands, except :

Appeared in: IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Explanation

The salivary gland is the correct answer because it is an exocrine gland, not an endocrine gland.
Exocrine glands, like salivary glands, have ducts that carry their secretions (e.g., saliva) to a specific location, such as the oral cavity.
Endocrine glands are ductless and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to act on distant target organs.

Option A: The pituitary gland is a major endocrine gland, often called the 'master gland,' because it secretes numerous hormones that control other endocrine glands.
Option B: The thyroid gland is a vital endocrine gland located in the neck that produces hormones regulating the body's metabolism.
Option C: The adrenal glands are endocrine glands situated on top of the kidneys. They secrete essential hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Difference between endocrine and exocrine glands as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the distinction between endocrine and exocrine is fundamental for a nurse to comprehend pathophysiology. Endocrine disorders (e.g., diabetes, hypothyroidism) involve hormone imbalances, while exocrine disorders often involve duct obstruction (e.g., salivary stones, blocked sweat glands) or secretion issues.
Patient education often involves explaining these differences. For instance, explaining to a patient with Sjögren's syndrome why their salivary (exocrine) and tear glands are affected.
What if the question included the pancreas? The pancreas is a unique 'mixed' gland with both endocrine functions (secreting insulin and glucagon into the blood) and exocrine functions (secreting digestive enzymes into the small intestine via a duct).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword 'except'. This tells you that three of the options are correct examples of the category mentioned (endocrine glands), and one is the outlier.
Recall the definition of an endocrine gland: a ductless gland that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Systematically evaluate each option against this definition.
Pituitary gland: Yes, it's the master endocrine gland.
Thyroid gland: Yes, it's an endocrine gland in the neck.
Adrenal gland: Yes, it's an endocrine gland on the kidneys.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Difference between endocrine and exocrine glands
Stem keywords: endocrine glands
Lead-in keywords: except
Negative lead-in flag: The question uses the word 'except', asking the test-taker to identify the option that does not belong to the group of endocrine glands.

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E6 Histology Inderbir 11e p. 135-137

E6 Physiology Review Sembulingam 5e p. 81-83

Practise the full IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.