True or false: The pituitary gland controls hormones.

The statement is true; the pituitary gland does control hormones. It is often referred to as the "master gland" of the endocrine system because it plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions through its production and secretion of hormones. The pituitary gland releases hormones that influence other glands in the endocrine system, such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs.

For example, it secretes growth hormone (GH), which affects growth and metabolism, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates cortisol production in the adrenal glands. By controlling the release of these hormones, the pituitary gland helps maintain homeostasis and coordinate overall bodily function. Understanding this central role in hormone regulation is key to comprehending how the endocrine system operates as a whole.