osmoregulation Flashcards
1
Q
what is osmoregulation
A
osmoregulation is the control of water/solute in the blood to maintain a constant water potential in the blood plasma
2
Q
how does osmoregulation work
A
the volume of water reabsorbed depends on the water potential of the blood plasma, which is monitored by the osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus of the brain. the hypothalamus produces adh, which is stored and released in the pituitary gland. the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to release varying amounts of adh
3
Q
how does adh affect the amount of water reabsorbed
A
adh is produced in varying amounts and it increases the permeability of the walls of the walls of the collecting duct to water molecules. this encourages water reabsorption
