Which of these is the largest gland in the human body?

Appeared in: Bihar CHO - 2021

Explanation

The liver is the largest gland in the human body, weighing approximately 1300 g in females and 1600 g in males.
It functions as a major exocrine gland by secreting bile, and also has endocrine functions, releasing substances like glucose and plasma proteins directly into the blood.
While the skin is the largest organ overall, the liver is correctly identified as both the largest internal organ and the largest gland.

Option B: The skin is the body's largest organ, but it is an organ system (integumentary) and not classified as a single gland. It contains numerous small glands (sweat, sebaceous) but is not a gland itself.
Option C: The kidneys are vital excretory organs responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. They are part of the urinary system, not primarily classified as glands.
Option D: The pancreas is a mixed (exocrine and endocrine) gland, but it is much smaller than the liver, weighing only about 70-100 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.
Understanding the liver's size and function is crucial for nurses assessing for hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), a sign of diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or heart failure.
Nurses monitor liver function tests (LFTs) to assess for liver damage, which can be caused by medications, alcohol, or infections.
What if? If a patient presents with jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), the nurse's focus would immediately shift to assessing liver function, as this is a classic sign of liver dysfunction and impaired bile flow.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the 'largest gland'.
Differentiate between the terms 'organ' and 'gland'. A gland is an organ that secretes specific substances.
Evaluate each option based on this definition and its relative size.
Consider the Liver: It's a very large organ that secretes bile, making it a gland.
Consider the Skin: It's the largest organ overall, but it's an organ system, not a single gland.
Consider the Kidney: It's an excretory organ, not primarily a gland.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QhAWOdgziIWR82evsSrhDq

E6 Anatomy BDChaurasia V2 10e Part 2 pp. 83-85, 92-94

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

Practise the full Bihar CHO - 2021

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