Final answer:
The pituitary gland controls kidney function by secreting the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) that regulates water balance, while the adrenal glands produce aldosterone in response to renin released by the kidneys as part of the RAAS system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The endocrine gland primarily responsible for controlling kidney function is the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland secretes the antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which acts on the kidneys to regulate water balance by increasing water reabsorption. This hormone helps manage the concentration of urine and maintains blood pressure and volume. Another important hormone that affects kidney function is aldosterone, which is produced by the adrenal glands. Aldosterone regulates sodium and potassium balance by increasing sodium reabsorption in the kidneys. In response to renin (released by the kidneys), angiotensin II is formed, which prompts adrenal glands to release aldosterone. This cascading effect is part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), playing a critical role in blood pressure and fluid balance.