The largest gland in the body is?

Appeared in: AIIMS BBSR SNO - 2019

Explanation

The liver is the largest gland and the second-largest organ (after the skin) in the human body.
According to anatomical sources, it weighs approximately 1.3 to 1.6 kilograms (1300–1600 g) in a healthy adult.
It is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, beneath the diaphragm, as shown in the provided image.
The liver performs over 500 vital functions, including bile production, detoxification of blood, metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and storage of vitamins and minerals.

Option A: The pancreas is a gland, but it is much smaller than the liver, typically weighing only about 60-100 grams.
Option C: The kidneys are major organs of the urinary system, not primarily glands. Each kidney weighs only about 120-170 grams, making them significantly smaller than the liver.
Option D: The spleen is the largest organ in the lymphatic system, not a gland. Its primary roles are in immune function and blood filtration. It is much smaller than the liver, weighing around 75-150 grams.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of the largest gland in the human body as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Knowledge of organ size and location is fundamental for performing an accurate abdominal assessment, including palpation and percussion.
An enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) can be a key sign of various diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or heart failure. A nurse's ability to palpate the liver edge below the costal margin is a critical assessment skill.
What if? If a patient presents with jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, and right upper quadrant pain, a nurse's knowledge that the liver is the largest gland and responsible for bile metabolism would immediately point towards a potential liver or biliary tract dysfunction, requiring prompt medical evaluation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is asking for the 'largest gland'.
Analyze the provided options: Pancreas, Liver, Kidney, Spleen.
Recall basic anatomical facts about the major organs and glands in the body. The liver is widely known as the largest internal organ and gland.
Use the provided image as a visual aid. The diagram clearly depicts the liver as being significantly larger than the other organs shown in the upper abdomen.
Compare the functions. While the pancreas is a gland, and the kidney and spleen are organs, none match the sheer size and glandular mass of the liver.
Select the option that aligns with both factual recall and the visual evidence.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Anatomy BDChaurasia V2 10e Part 2 p. 83-85

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 531-533

E6 Anatomy MindMaps BDChaurasia V2 10e p. 10-12

Practise the full AIIMS BBSR SNO - 2019

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