NCERT Class 11 Science — Chapter 9: Chemical Coordination and Integration

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Which endocrine gland is located on the dorsal side of the forebrain?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThymus
BPituitary
CThyroid
DPineal

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Solution

The correct option is Pineal.

Explanation

The endocrine system comprises ductless glands located in specific anatomical positions throughout the body. In the human brain, distinct glands are situated in the forebrain region, differentiated by their dorsal or ventral positioning relative to the diencephalon.

Option-wise Analysis

Pineal: Correct. The pineal gland is a small, pine cone-shaped structure located on the dorsal (upper/posterior) side of the forebrain. Anatomically, it is attached to the roof of the third ventricle (epithalamus). It is responsible for secreting melatonin, which regulates the circadian rhythm.
Pituitary: Incorrect. The pituitary gland is located on the ventral (lower) side of the forebrain. It rests in a bony depression of the sphenoid bone called the sella turcica and is attached to the hypothalamus by a stalk.
Thyroid: Incorrect. The thyroid gland is located in the neck region, not the brain. It consists of two lobes situated on either side of the trachea.
Thymus: Incorrect. The thymus is located in the thoracic region, specifically between the lungs behind the sternum on the ventral side of the aorta.

Key Takeaway

The pineal gland is located on the dorsal side of the forebrain (epithalamus), while the pituitary gland is located on the ventral side (hypothalamus).

Your note

More from Chapter 9: Chemical Coordination and Integration

Consider the following statements about the thyroid gland: 1. It consists of a single lobe located on the trachea. 2. Follicular cells synthesize thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). 3. Iodine is essential for the normal rate of hormone synthesis. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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Which of the following are associated with deficiency of thyroid hormones? 1. Cretinism occurs when deficiency happens in old age. 2. Goitre formation due to iodine deficiency. 3. It ensures perfectly regular menstrual cycles. Select the correct answer using the code below:

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Regarding exophthalmic goitre (Graves' disease), which of the following is/are correct? 1. It is a form of hyperthyroidism. 2. It involves sinking of the eyeballs. 3. It is characterised by an increased basal metabolic rate. Select the correct answer using the code below:

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Assertion (A): Thyrocalcitonin (TCT) helps regulate blood calcium levels. Reason (R): Parathyroid hormone (PTH) acts on bones to stimulate bone resorption.

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With reference to parathyroid hormone (PTH), consider the following statements: 1. Its secretion is regulated by circulating sodium levels. 2. It increases bone resorption and renal reabsorption of calcium. 3. It increases calcium absorption from the digested food. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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The correct option is Pineal.

Explanation

Option-wise Analysis

Pineal: Correct. The pineal gland is a small, pine cone-shaped structure located on the dorsal (upper/posterior) side of the forebrain. Anatomically, it is attached to the roof of the third ventricle (epithalamus). It is responsible for secreting melatonin, which regulates the circadian rhythm.
Pituitary: Incorrect. The pituitary gland is located on the ventral (lower) side of the forebrain. It rests in a bony depression of the sphenoid bone called the sella turcica and is attached to the hypothalamus by a stalk.
Thyroid: Incorrect. The thyroid gland is located in the neck region, not the brain. It consists of two lobes situated on either side of the trachea.
Thymus: Incorrect. The thymus is located in the thoracic region, specifically between the lungs behind the sternum on the ventral side of the aorta.

Key Takeaway

The pineal gland is located on the dorsal side of the forebrain (epithalamus), while the pituitary gland is located on the ventral side (hypothalamus).