Which gland produces hormones that affect heart rate and blood pressure, regulate salt balance, and influence the development of sex organs?

Which gland produces hormones that affect heart rate and blood pressure, regulate salt balance, and influence the development of sex organs?

• A. Pancreas
• B. Adrenal gland
• C. Pituitary gland
• D. Ovaries

Answer: (B)

The adrenal glands are responsible for all three effects described. The adrenal medulla releases adrenaline and noradrenaline, which quickly raise heart rate and blood pressure. The adrenal cortex produces aldosterone, a hormone that increases sodium reabsorption by the kidneys, helping regulate salt balance and blood pressure. It also makes androgens that influence the development of sex organs. Other options don’t cover all three roles: the pancreas handles glucose control, the pituitary regulates many glands but doesn’t directly drive these specific processes, and the ovaries mainly provide sex hormones without governing heart rate and salt balance.

The adrenal glands are responsible for all three effects described. The adrenal medulla releases adrenaline and noradrenaline, which quickly raise heart rate and blood pressure. The adrenal cortex produces aldosterone, a hormone that increases sodium reabsorption by the kidneys, helping regulate salt balance and blood pressure. It also makes androgens that influence the development of sex organs. Other options don’t cover all three roles: the pancreas handles glucose control, the pituitary regulates many glands but doesn’t directly drive these specific processes, and the ovaries mainly provide sex hormones without governing heart rate and salt balance.