Antidiuretic hormone raises kidney water reabsorption when blood is too concentrated.
Osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus detect high plasma concentration; posterior pituitary releases ADH, making collecting ducts more permeable via aquaporins, so more water is reabsorbed. Alcohol inhibits ADH, causing dilute urine.
Thirst and ADH restore water balance. Dehydration raises plasma osmolarity. Overhydration dilutes it.
Key idea: ADH conserves water by concentrating urine.
Antidiuretic hormone raises kidney water reabsorption when blood is too concentrated.
Osmoregulation and ADH is one of the 51 topics in Human Physiology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Nephron Function, Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System, Countercurrent Multiplier.
Diabetes insipidus is a lack of ADH action.
Work through the Beginner topics in Human Physiology first, such as Homeostasis, Tissues and Organs, Skeletal System, then return to Osmoregulation and ADH. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
The closest topics to Osmoregulation and ADH are Nephron Function, Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System, Countercurrent Multiplier, Excretory System. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Osmoregulation and ADH. To practise the whole of Human Physiology, use the Human Physiology quiz.
Osmoregulation and ADH: Antidiuretic hormone raises kidney water reabsorption when blood is too concentrated. Nephron Function: Filtration, selective reabsorption and secretion in the nephron form urine. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Nephron Function and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Human Physiology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Filtration, selective reabsorption and secretion in the nephron form urine.
❤️ Human PhysiologyA hormone cascade that raises blood pressure by vasoconstriction and sodium retention.
❤️ Human PhysiologyThe loop of Henle creates a salt gradient in the medulla that allows concentrated urine.
❤️ Human PhysiologyKidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra remove metabolic waste and balance water.
❤️ Human Physiology